SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 48

(By Senators Hunter and McCabe)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the siting of windmills used to generate electricity.

Whereas, In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in businesses involved in producing energy through wind power harnessed by huge windmills; and
Whereas, In order for these windmills to be economically efficient and effective, they must be located in areas in which the prevailing wind is sufficient to provide continuous power to generate electricity; and
Whereas, In West Virginia, the best locations for these windmills are on the high ridges of the Allegheny Mountains, sometimes encroaching on wildlife habitats, flyways and scenic views; and
Whereas, There are no clear guidelines to ensure that windmill businesses seeking to establish wind farms in this state have sufficient resources to complete projects, reduce negative impacts on the environment and are economically sustainable; and
Whereas, There is a need to review all aspects of the development of wind farms to determine how this relatively new energy source may be properly regulated to ensure economic viability, reduce environmental impacts and protect other uses while, at the same time, benefitting the economy of local communities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the siting of windmills used to generate electricity; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study should include, but not be limited to, the impact on the scenic areas of the state, wildlife habitat, competing uses of the land involving recreation, hunting and tourism, and local government taxes and revenue policies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.