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.