MEETING MINUTES
10:00 AM in Room 1E of the LOB
The meeting was called to order at 9:45 AM by Chairman, Rep. Noujaim S. 074.
The following committee members were present:
Senators: |
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Representatives: |
Candelora V. 086; Fox D. 148; Megna R. 097; Noujaim S. 074; O'Neill A. 069; Wood T. 141 |
Absent were: |
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Senators: |
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Representatives: |
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2013-010 Department of Energy & Environmental Protection REMEDIATION STANDARD & ENVIRONMENTAL LAND USE RESTRICTIONS LRRC - Rejected Without Prejudice |
2012-054B
Connecticut Siting Council
WIND REGULATIONS
LRRC - Rejected Without Prejudice
Discussion:
Rep. Noujaim asked LCO to explain their recommendation for Rejection Without Prejudice. Atty. Towson explained that there were 4 substinative concerns listed in the LCO report including concerns from new language added to the regulation for this submission.
Rep. Wright was not able to attend this meeting due to car problems and sent a statement that was read by Rep. Noujaim:
The proposed regulations I believe have not paid enough attention to the substantive concerns relating to public health and safety in the manner in which large scale wind turbines are sited and approved, particularly in such areas as setbacks, shadow flicker, noise limits, waivability, host town impacts (e.g. on roads & transportation, fire protection ) a requirement for escrow funds, performance or surety bonds to guarantee completion of the project including decommissioning and to ensure, for example, that the land is returned to its original state at the end of the useful life of the turbine. Liberal waivers of setbacks and shadow flicker make standards less substantive and less protective of public health and safety.
Of course -- wind energy projects offer many positives – avoidance of emissions, improved energy security and reduction of heavy dependence on fossil fuels.
If you site them improperly and don't include proper protections, people will not be receptive to wind generation proposals in Connecticut.
I believe we should look further and in more depth at experience and requirements of mature wind energy jurisdictions, in Denmark for example, with large scale grids having highest penetration of wind power. In Denmark the setback is four times total turbine heights – or about 2,000 feet for a large 500 foot turbine, along with built in mechanisms for compensating abutters for property-value losses.
2013-004A
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
NITROGEN OXIDES CONTROL PROGRAM
LRRC - Approved in Whole