Wind Energy

This report provides an overview of local and state wind energy siting, permitting, and zoning considerations, and summarizes every states authority over wind energy siting and zoning. It includes recommendations for utility-scale wind energy system siting and zoning procedures (§2) and regulatory implementation (§3). Recommendations address noise, shadow flicker, ice throw, wildlife and habitat exclusion zones, aesthetic requirements, critical competing land uses, permit requirements, decommissioning, and dispute resolution and mitigation.

Table 1 summarizes each state’s wind siting and zoning practices. The table includes MW installed, whether primary authority is vested in state or local authorities, state authorities responsible, and Home or Dillon’s rule status. It also includes whether states provide evaluation criteria, voluntary guidelines, model ordinances, and setback standards.

Appendix A provides state-level summaries of wind siting authority, state policies and procedures, regulatory history, useful contacts, and additional resources.