2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA (518), 862-1090 ext. 3359

STATE ENCOURAGES MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO USE "WIND ENERGY TOOLKIT" TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WIND POWER
Materials Available on State Website Contain Important Information on Siting and Other Wind Power Issues

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that New York State has developed a "Wind Energy Toolkit," to help municipal and government officials make informed decisions about siting wind energy projects in their communities.  The toolkit, which is also available to the general public, contains a package of informational materials on issues such as zoning ordinances, potential environmental impacts, and wind power technology options.

"Technological advances have made wind power a viable electricity generating source in New York State, and many communities are interested in exploring the potential of this 'green' energy alternative," NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith said.  "The toolkit contains critical information to help municipal officials and local citizens understand what wind power projects entail and determine whether wind power is right for their community.  I strongly encourage local government leaders and the general public to use these informational materials to learn more about this promising renewable energy source."

As a renewable energy source, wind energy has vast potential to help New York diversity its energy supplies, better protect our environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels.  Unlike traditional energy projects such as fossil-fueled power plants, wind energy projects often require large tracts of land, and involve many complex siting issues such as environmental concerns and historical preservation standards.  The toolkit provides comprehensive information on these and other issues that local decision-makers face when considering whether to proceed with wind energy projects in New York State.

In 2003, Governor Pataki proposed the Renewable Portfolio Standard for Electricity, subsequently adopted by PSC, requiring that by the year 2013, at least 25 percent of our New York's electricity will be generated by renewable energy.  Although many generation technologies qualify under the Renewable Portfolio Standard, wind power is expected to be a major component of this effort.  Other renewable sources include hydropower, solar power, and biofuels.

Studies have shown that New York has good wind resources, and energy developers are seeking to site wind power projects in a variety of areas throughout the State.  Since municipal and elected government officials will be called on to determine whether projects should be sited in their communities, it is important that they have the knowledge and expertise to make an informed decision.  For example, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) may designate a locality as the "lead agency" for purposes of ensuring that the required environmental reviews are conducted.

The Wind Energy Toolkit is the product of a collaborative effort by all State agencies that play a role in the siting and permitting of wind projects.   This group was led by NYSERDA, and included representatives of the Department of State (DOS), Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Public Service Commission (PSC), Agriculture and Markets, and the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, as well as members and experts from academia and numerous organizations. The toolkit is an evolving set of documents and will be updated as new information becomes available. All of the material in the toolkit has been reviewed by relevant stakeholders.

The toolkit may be downloaded from the following website:  www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Wind/toolkit.asp  In addition, you can request a copy of the toolkit by contacting NYSERDA at: 1-866-NYSERDA.

Information on other energy alternatives such as solar power, as well as energy efficiency and conservation programs, is also available on NYSERDA's website - www.nyserda.org

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