e-POSTER: How Centralized Siting and Permitting Processes Affect Wind Energy Development – Case Studies
22 May 19
11:30 AM
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11:55 AM
Tracks:
Poster Presentations, Siting, Permitting and Wildlife
Many states have established siting boards or commissions to review and approve renewable energy developments, with the goal of streamlining the review process and eliminating inconsistencies between local agencies. Instead, many projects are delayed due to review bottlenecks resulting from inexperienced and overloaded state staff. Such delays have serious financial implications for project owners and developers, consequently limiting the ability of states to meet their renewable energy goals. Examples of several state review processes, such requirements of New York’s Article 10, Virginia’s Permit by Rule, Ohio’s Power Siting Board requirements, and the California Environmental Quality Act illustrate the impact of these processes on project schedules. Due to the complexity of issues associated with wind energy development in combination with onerous centralized review processes, there appears to be a shift in some areas toward development of large-scale solar projects and away from wind energy developments. Other project review models, such as the use of Licensed Site Professionals who can fulfill many site review responsibilities, may offer more tenable alternatives for wind energy development. Further dialogue among wind energy developers and agencies about the implications of current project review processes could lead to solutions that facilitate development and allow states to meet their renewable energy goals.