Letter to the Editor

February 25, 2017 Leave a comment


Nebraska has a bright future in renewable energy

By Lu Nelsen, lucasn@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

 Dear Editor,

Nebraska has a bright future in renewable energy. This cheap and clean energy can serve as a new driver for our local rural economies. When it comes to wind energy potential, Nebraska is fourth in the U.S. – in fact, the state could produce enough energy from wind to meet our needs 118 times over, or enough to power 511,000 average homes.

Despite this great potential, Nebraska continues to lag behind neighboring states in developing our wind energy resources. We are currently ranked 20th for installed wind energy. While Nebraskans work to catch up, local officials and developers should work to identify and address concerns that surround new projects and form standards that will work best for their communities. This local control over zoning has proven to work for many kinds of development, and maintaining it is the best way to ensure communities have a say.

But new legislation in the Nebraska Unicameral would strip some communities of their local control over wind energy. LB 504 would place a two-year moratorium on wind development in the entire Sandhills region, removing the ability of landowners and communities to responsibly develop wind in a large part of our state.

Communities stand to gain a lot from the development of wind energy: development provides new sources of income for landowners through land-lease payments; new temporary and permanent jobs are created to construct or service projects; and wind development adds new tax revenue to small towns and counties. However, to capture these benefits, developers and local officials need to work with community members to determine the best way to build projects to fit local needs.

By working together, Nebraskans can find a way to work toward reaching our renewable energy potential and realize the benefits that renewables like wind can bring to small towns and rural communities across the state.

Sincerely,

Lu Nelsen, Center for Rural Affairs 

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Respect and Restore: Reassessing Local Wind Energy Standards

May 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs examines making local wind energy ordinances work for landowners and communities
Lyons, NE – Today the Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled Respect and Restore: Reassessing Local Wind Energy Standards, that examines issues being overlooked in county and township wind energy ordinances.
“Ordinances often require developers of wind energy projects to limit noise and shadow flicker that impacts local residents as well as establish setback distances from neighboring residences. But they leave out requirements for access roads, post-construction restoration, or ensuring public roads are repaired after a project is complete,” says Lu Nelsen, Center for Rural Affairs Policy Program Associate and author of the report.
“All of these issues are commonly mentioned by stakeholders, but are rarely addressed through local regulation,” Nelsen continued. “In fact, most restoration requirements focus solely on the decommissioning of projects at the end of their life, providing very few guidelines for prior restoration or local infrastructure and adjacent land and property that may be needed.”
According to Nelsen, Respect and Restore describes different typical elements in the construction process of wind farms, and lays out potential problems landowners and communities might face. Additionally the report reviews county regulations for commercial wind energy systems. Finally, the report provides recommendations for future development of wind energy systems.
To view or download a full copy of the report go to:
“Post-construction land restoration is an important issue to many landowners, as they want their land returned to them in good condition,” added Nelsen. “Projects need to maintain access roads and an area around the base of a turbine.”
But additional land is affected by the construction process, and without proper restoration the land will not be as workable for a landowner as it previously was. Similarly, heavy machinery can have a big impact on the condition of local roads, especially in rural areas where roads were not designed to handle heavy traffic.
Nelsen’s report finds that addressing these issues directly in local regulations will provide communities with peace of mind and give developers clear requirements for post-construction restoration. Developers should use local input early in the process to limit the need for restoration by using pre-disturbed areas or existing access roads.
Additionally, Neslen points out that it is important to identify solutions like these to improve the development process. As wind development continues to grow, it is essential that developers and local officials tackle the concerns experienced by people in the community.
“Continuing to develop renewable wind energy brings real benefits to rural communities across the nation. To ensure these benefits aren’t realized at the expense of landowners and community members, wind energy projects must address the challenges presented by the construction process,” concluded Nelsen.

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Zoned Out

August 3, 2015 Leave a comment


The Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled Zoned Out: An Analysis of Wind Energy Zoning in Four Midwest States.
According to  Alissa Doerr, Center for Rural Affairs Legal Extern and author of the report, Zoned Out analyses different approaches to zoning commercial wind energy systems in four different Midwest states – Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. The report also broke down the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, and what makes for effective zoning standards.
“Wind energy zoning remains generally uncoordinated and subject to state and local regulations, resulting in a piecemeal approach where zoning standards vary between states and within states,” Doerr said. “In order for wind energy development to continue increasing, there must be an effective approach to wind energy zoning implemented that reduces inconsistency and unpredictability caused by the patchwork approach that is currently in place.  The key is finding the right balance between local and state control.”
To view or download a full copy of the report go to:
“As wind energy continues to grow rural economies and expand across the Midwest, controversies have arisen as well as questions from local communities,” continued Doerr. “How will this affect my community? What are the rules for wind energy development?”
“Zoning authorities must aim for efficient and effective standards, incorporating considerations from the local areas where wind development would take place,” Doerr added.
Doerr explained further that, the key to effective wind siting and zoning regulation is to strike the right balance between local and state control, avoiding some of the pitfalls for either approach, while trying to capture the benefits. Authorities at the state and local level must consider the pros and cons that can result from difference ordinances. The ideal balance should be focused on consistent standards that still allow for local autonomy.
“As wind power continues to play a bigger role in meeting our energy demands, it’s important that we craft regulations that incorporate local preferences and address local concerns, while also providing clear and consistent standards for developers.”

 

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Unicameral Supports Wind Development

April 23, 2015 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs applauds passage of LB 423

 

Lyons, NE – Nebraska Senators passed LB 423, legislation providing tax credits to renewable energy projects that return profit to Nebraska communities, on it’s first reading by a vote of 25 to 3. The bill now advances to Select File for its second reading.

 

“Today, the Unicameral made a strong statement in support of renewable energy and rural economic development in Nebraska,” said Virginia Meyer, Rural Organizer with the Center for Rural Affairs.

 

“Nebraskans want and deserve an energy future that prioritizes investment in home-grown resources. LB 423 invests in energy development the fulfills that commitment while helping to create good jobs and new tax revenue, while keeping hard-earned energy dollars closer to home.”
Virginia Meyer, Center for Rural Affairs

 

According to Meyer, Nebraska has some of the best wind energy resources in the nation, yet, wind energy only accounts for 4.8% of Nebraska’s energy generation. Wind power is capable of meeting 118 times Nebraska’s current electricity needs, but the state still relies on imports to meet demands for electricity. LB 423 invests in a better, more renewable and sustainable energy future for the state.
“By providing tax credits for renewable energy projects that with at least 25 percent investment in Nebraska resources,  LB 423 focuses on projects that are community based, bringing more of the economic benefit of renewable energy development back to Nebraska communities,” Meyer continued. “The bill supports renewable energy projects that are built in a way that benefits small towns and rural communities the most.  And renewable energy projects – including solar projects –  would qualify for the tax credit, pushing these projects forward across the state.”

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Nebraskans Speak on Wind

January 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Cortland, Nebraska – Approximately 100 residents from Cortland, Hallam and surrounding communities and from as far away as Gretna and Nebraska City met at the Cortland Community Center last night, Tuesday, January 27th to discuss the proposed development of a wind farm in the area and other related issues at a Wind Information Forum hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and Lancaster County Farmers Union.

 

Participants heard from a panel of Nebraskans who have first-hand experience with wind development, and were able to ask questions and discuss their hopes for and concerns about wind energy development in the area.
“Everyone in and around communities impacted by wind energy development deserves an opportunity to ask questions and have their voices heard,” said Virginia Meyer, Rural Organizer for the Center for Rural Affairs. “We’ve heard from people in the community, who will be directly impacted by the proposed wind project, that they haven’t had a chance to engage in a public conversation on the project.”

 

This meeting emphasized the importance of community involvement and input. We’ve seen wind bring significant benefits to rural communities but we know it must be developed and sited in a way that works for the community, Meyer added. Attendees shared their siting concerns and came away with ideas about how to ensure developers site projects in ways that work for the entire local community.

 

Several attendees asked why their area had been chosen for potential wind development. Members of the panel noted that the Cortland area was outside of the central flyway, meaning it would have less impact on migrating birds. They also noted that there was already existing transmission infrastructure in the area that new wind generation could connect to.

 

According to Meyer, professionals from multiple fields were at the forum to address questions and share ideas.  Panelists included Ross Knott, president and CEO of Petersburg State Bank in Petersburg, Nebraska, Caroline Jezierski, Nebraska Wind Energy and Wildlife Project Coordinator at the University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources, and David Vavra, Chairman of the Saline County Wind Association.

 

“Many Nebraskans have questions about wind development, covering issues such property taxes, economic development, impacts on wildlife and payments to landowners,” concluded Meyer. “This forum provided participants the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by knowledgeable experts.”

 

And a theme highlighted by the panelists and community members was the importance of the community coming together and working with each other to decide what is best for all of them, concluded Meyer.

 

For more information contact Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014 or email virginiam@cfra.org.
Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/sets/72157650532810305/

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Midwest Prime Real Estate for Wind

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


By Lu Nelson, lucasn@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Wind energy is thriving, especially in the Midwest. Known for it’s huge agricultural potential, Midwestern states also have some of the best potential for wind power, making the region prime real estate for wind energy development. But one of the biggest roadblocks for wind energy is the ability to connect new energy sources to the electric grid.

The Midwest Transmission Project is one transmission project in the region that seeks to remove that roadblock, improving the grid and allowing for greater renewable energy development. The project is a partnership between Omaha Public Power District and Kansas City Power and Light, and will run from a substation near Nebraska City to one just outside Sibley, Missouri.

A major part of the transmission development process is public outreach, usually in the form of several rounds of open house meetings and public hearings, all of which are required for regulatory approval. One thing that makes the Midwest Transmission Project special, though, is that OPPD decided to not stop there with outreach. During the design and development of the project’s route, OPPD met with landowners on their property along the proposed route and asked each of them for their input.

OPPD has provided a prime example for utilities in Nebraska and other states when it comes to developing new transmission. Instead of just meeting with landowners, it’s important to really form a relationship with them, using their knowledge of the local area and expertise to help drive the development process.

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Center for Rural Affairs: More wind energy

October 11, 2013 Leave a comment


Rural Leaders urge NPPD wind investment
Lyons, Nebraska – Today, the Center for Rural Affairs released a letter signed by 28 rural and small town community leaders in medicine, education, agriculture, business, economic development and the faith community, urging the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) to make investments in rural and small town Nebraska’s energy future by purchasing locally produced wind power at today’s historically low rates.

“An investment in Nebraska wind power is an investment in the future of our communities, and that’s crucial to all of us,” June Simpson, Silver Hills Winery, Burt County, Nebraska

“The affordability of wind energy and the local economic development these technologies create, along with growing health concerns, all require that we take advantage of the present opportunity,” said Simpson.
According to Lu Nelsen of the Center for Rural Affairs, the NPPD board of directors will vote on Friday, October 11th, on increasing the district’s wind energy purchases.
“This is a crucial vote, because the NPPD board has a chance to have a much greater positive impact on our state and communities by increasing their investment in wind energy,” said Nelsen. “Wind energy has never been cheaper, increasing our investment now will help us move away from dirtier energy sources, and it brings economic opportunities to our rural communities. The same tired arguments, focusing on cost and intermittency, lose credibility each day as utilities in bordering states continue to invest in their local economies.”
The joint letter also focuses on the economic potential of wind energy development, and points out that, unfortunately, Nebraska ranks only 25th in installed wind capacity, far behind neighboring states like Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, and Colorado but also behind such states as Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
“The economic development potential these investments create can be astounding,” added Patty Plugge, Burt County Economic Development Director. “Wind power installations result in total county-level personal income of approximately $11,000 per megawatt and create an additional 0.5 jobs per megawatt.”
“All of us depend on reliable, affordable electricity,” concluded Nelsen. “However, the $2.7 billion dollars Nebraskans spend annually to meet our electricity needs can be managed more productively. More of it should be invested in purchasing Nebraska wind energy.”
The joint letter to the NPPD board includes signatures of farmers, ranchers, small business owners, healthcare providers, and educators as well as community, civic and faith leaders from across Nebraska. The letter will be delivered today during the public session of the NPPD board of directors meeting in Columbus, Nebraska.

To view or download a complete copy of the letter and list of signatories, go to:  http://files.cfra.org/pdf/nppd-sign-on-letter.pdf

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