Wind Farm legislation for Etowah and Cherokee Counties become law

Governor Robert Bentley

Legislation to regulate wind farms in Etowah and Cherokee counties is now law after being signed Thursday by Governor Robert Bentley    Pioneer Green Energy has announced plans to develop wind farms along Shinbone Ridge in the two counties.  The bills for each county require county commissions or cities where wind turbines are located to establish regulations concerning their operation, including a process for issuing permits to wind farm developers.  They require developers to comply with applicable zoning regulations and take out bonds sufficient to cover the cost of removing abandoned wind turbines and cover $1 million of liability for damages to adjoining property. They also specify minimum noise levels and setbacks from adjacent property for the turbines.  A statewide bill to regulate wind farms, sponsored by Senator Phil Williams, has passed the Senate and a House committee, and is awaiting a vote in the full House.

.