FOR WIND: GUIDELINES, NOT REGULATIONS

Because there is on-going haggling over the oil and gas provisions of this energy bill, it is easy to guess the wind energy compromise resulted from behind-the-scenes deal making. What the final implications might be remain to be revealed. To get involved in the politics of wind: POWER OF WIND

US House Panel Oks More Lenient Wind Energy Legislation
Ian Talley, June 7, 2007 (Dow Jones Newswire via Nasdaq)

WHO
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., Committee member Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who is also chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
But is the belief justified? (click to enlarge)
WHAT
The House Committee on Natural Resources approved a provision of the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007 with amended language less onerous to the wind energy industry on installation siting. (See also: RAHALL BACKS DOWN?)

WHEN
June 7.

WHERE
House Committee on Natural Resources
click to enlarge
WHY
- Rahall had proposed rigid regulations on wind turbine siting and operation and included severe penalties. Markey’s amendment changed “regulations” to “guidelines” and authorized funding to study wind-wildlife safety.
- Wind energy representatives have expressed resentment at the industry’s being singled out for “regulations” and, though the wording change is widely represented as an expression the wind energy industry’s growing clout, the industry reps say Rahall needs to back off further and allow the wind energy to achieve its goal of providing 20% of US power by 2030.
- The House committee members continue to debate the bill’s oil and gas provisions.

QUOTES
Markey: "I believe this amendment creates a balance between our need to protect wildlife like birds and bats and the imperative that we move towards clean, renewable forms of energy like wind power in order to reduce the global warming pollution that threatens all of the world's species…"