Common Council member seeks wind-power debate

Mar 9, 2010 — The Buffalo News

Brian Meyer

Mar. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Imagine power-producing windmills towering over a South Buffalo commerce park, or situated near Buffalo's water pumping station on Lake Erie.

The city might soon weigh the merits of installing power-producing wind turbines as a way to encourage job creation, hold down energy costs and spur green technology development.

One company has contacted a city lawmaker about the possibility of installing wind turbines in an industrial and commercial section of South Buffalo.

While the notion is still in the embryonic phase, an advocacy group that promotes wind power is pleased that South Council Member Michael P. Kearns filed a resolution Monday that could set the stage for a comprehensive public debate on a potentially controversial issue.

Kearns sponsored a bill that urges the Council to support exploring the feasibility of installing and maybe even producing wind turbines. The resolution would see the Council spearhead discussions among citizens, wind energy experts, environmental groups and business leaders.

Kearns said he's sensitive to the numerous concerns that are typically raised about windmill projects, including aesthetics, noise, the impact on local wildlife and worries that current technology could quickly become obsolete. If public financing is involved, there could also be questions raised about overall returns on the investment.

"Let's bring in the experts and have them tells us the pros and cons of installing windmills in Buffalo," said Kearns. "We could be among the cities that deal with renewable energy in a positive way."

"This is an important step," Buffalo attorney Robert E. Knoer, chairman of the Wind Action Group, said of the new resolution.

Knoer said he has been talking with city officials for years about the potential of using wind turbines as an incentive to attract business. As one example, Knoer pointed to the Union Ship Canal at Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park in South Buffalo. Power produced from wind turbines could be used as an incentive to lure new businesses or help companies expand, he said.

Knoer said there are many "myths" that have plagued the wind turbine industry that could be addressed during public discussions. But he acknowledged the importance of finding suitable locations for windmills.

"There are areas in South Buffalo that I think are appropriate [for wind turbines], and there are areas where they wouldn't be appropriate," he said.

Buffalo will soon embark on a long-delayed plan to update its antiquated zoning codes. Kearns said he believes this would be an ideal time to launch the city's first comprehensive review of the potential impact of power-producing windmills in the city.

There are currently no zoning laws that govern wind turbines, nor have any developers officially submitted plans for such projects in Buffalo, city officials said Monday. One businessman recently contacted the city to discuss the feasibility of installing windmills, said Kearns. But he added that there are no plans in the works for such a project.

Kearns wants the city to study how wind energy might help reduce utility costs. If Buffalo installed a wind turbine at its water pumping station, said Kearns, perhaps it might help hold down water rates.

The debate in Buffalo comes as numerous wind-power projects outside the city move forward.

Windmills are already operating at the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna, and six new turbines are planned. The State Thruway Authority is seeking proposals that would probe the feasibility of installing wind turbines at six Thruway sites in Western New York.

Meanwhile, the New York Power Authority is studying a long-term plan that might eventually see major offshore wind farms in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

bmeyer@buffnews.com

Newstex ID: KRTB-0019-42699166