Wind Energy Guide for County Commissioners 

Project Team: 

Mike Costanti 

Peggy Beltrone 

U.S. Department of Energy 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

Wind Powering America 

National Association of Counties 
NOTICE

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CONTENTS 

Abstract ________________________________________________________________________ iv 

Introduction ______________________________________________________________________ 1 

Background _____________________________________________________________________ 1 

Project Objective _________________________________________________________________ 1 

Table Layout and Content Descriptions _______________________________________________ 2 

Topic Matrix ____________________________________________________________________ 3 

Brief Wind Energy Overview ________________________________________________________ 4 

Environmental Benefits_____________________________________________________________ 5 

Wind Energy Myths and Facts_______________________________________________________ 6 

Economic Development Benefits _____________________________________________________ 7 

Wind Economics __________________________________________________________________ 9 

The Development Process __________________________________________________________ 11 

Public Outreach __________________________________________________________________ 12 

Siting Issues _____________________________________________________________________ 13 

Property Tax Incentives ___________________________________________________________ 15 

Power System Impacts ____________________________________________________________ 17 

Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes _____________________________________________ 19 

Case Studies _____________________________________________________________________ 21 

Further Information ______________________________________________________________ 22 

 iii
Abstract 

One of the key stakeholders associated with economic development are local government officials, 

who are often required to evaluate and vote on commercial wind energy project permits, as well as to 

determine and articulate what wind energy benefits accrue to their counties. Often these local officials 

lack experience with large-scale wind energy and need to make important decisions concerning what 

may be a complicated and controversial issue. These decisions can be confounded with diverse 

perspectives from various stakeholders. This project is designed to provide county commissioners, 

planners, and other local county government officials with a practical overview of information required 

to successfully implement commercial wind energy projects in their county. The guidebook provides 

readers with information on the following 13 topics: Brief Wind Energy Overview; Environmental 

Benefits; Wind Energy Myths and Facts; Economic Development Benefits; Wind Economics; The 

Development Process; Public Outreach; Siting Issues; Property Tax Incentives; Power System 

Impacts; Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes; Case Studies; and Further Information. For each of 

the above topics, the guidebook provides an introduction that identifies the topic, why local 

government should care, a topic snapshot, how the topic will arise, and a list of resources that define 

and assess the topic. 

 iv
 

Introduction 

Background 

Wind Powering America (WPA) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program to dramatically 

increase the use of wind energy in the United States. WPA’s mission is to increase rural economic 

development, protect the environment, and increase energy security by engaging in state-based 

activities, rural economic development activities, the greening of federal loads, and collaborations with 

utilities. 

WPA has established economic development as one of its primary thematic areas. A key stakeholder 

associated with economic development is local government officials, who often must evaluate and vote 

on commercial wind energy project permits, as well as determine and articulate the wind energy 

benefits that accrue to their county. These local officials often lack experience with large-scale wind 

energy but may need to make important decisions concerning projects. These decisions can be 

confounded with diverse perspectives from various stakeholders. 

WPA is committed to providing the various stakeholders with valuable, accurate, and current 

information on wind energy. The use of stakeholder-tailored guidebooks has proven useful in this 

commitment, and accordingly the development of this guidebook will address many salient topics 

encountered by local government officials throughout the commercial wind development process. 

Project Objective 

This project is designed to provide county commissioners, planners, and other local county 

government officials with a practical overview of information required to successfully implement 

commercial, utility-scale wind energy projects (600 kilowatts or larger) in their counties.1 

This guidebook provides a concise and practical resource for local government officials as they follow 

the steps to large-scale wind energy development. The guidebook is divided into the following 13 

topics: 

1. Brief Wind Energy Overview 

2. Environmental Benefits 

3. Wind Energy Myths and Facts 

4. Economic Development Benefits 

5. Wind Economics 

6. The Development Process 

7. Public Outreach 

8. Siting Issues 

9. Property Tax Incentives 

10. Power System Impacts 

11. Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes 

12. Case Studies 

13. Further Information. 

1

 County commissioners are also actively involved with siting small (10 kilowatts or less) and medium-size (10 

to 250 kilowatts) wind projects. Cultivating small projects and community wind projects can help build public 

support for a county’s commercial wind marketing efforts. Visit 

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/small_wind.asp for more information on projects of this size. 

 1
 2

For each of the topics listed above, the guidebook provides an introduction that identifies the topic, 

why local government should care, an issue snapshot, how the topic will arise, and a list of resources 

that define and assess the topic. The following table layout is used for each topic. 

Table Layout and Content Descriptions 

What Is It? Concise summary of the topic 

Why Should I Care? Indicates why the topic is important to local government officials 

Snapshot Provides the reader with three to five key facts, recommendations, or 

opinions outlined in the guidebook’s Essential Resource list 

• Snapshot #1 

• Snapshot #2 

• Snapshot #3 

When Will It Come Up? From a local government official’s point of view, the wind development 

process can be broken down into seven distinctive phases, known as the 

“7 P’s”: 

1. Potential: Investigating the basics of wind energy, as well as 

establishing your county’s wind resource 

2. Promotion: Promoting your county’s wind resources to your 

constituents and project developers 

3. Public Outreach: Engaging the public on wind energy topics 

facing your county 

4. Planning: Creating and implementing an effective county plan to 

facilitate wind energy development 

5. Permitting: Creating and implementing effective permitting, 

zoning, and siting processes for wind energy projects within your 

county 

6. Project Construction: Construction of the project takes place 

7. Project O&M: Operations and maintenance (O&M) of the 

project takes place. 

This section of the table will outline which of the 7 P’s apply to the 

topic. (The Topic Matrix following this table summarizes all 13 topics 

and which of the 7 P’s apply to each.) 

Essential 

Provides a list of resources that capture the essence of each respective 

area. Resource title, location, brief summary 

Resource 

Lists 

Further 

Reading 

Provides a list of resources for additional investigation. These resources 

are typically available via the Internet. Resource title, location 
 3

Topic Matrix 

Topic Description Potential Promotion Outreach Planning Permi

Brief Wind Energy Overview 

Overview of wind energy basics, including resource characteristics and technology X X X 

Environmental Benefits 

Documentation of the environmental benefits of wind power versus other electricity generation alternatives 

X X X X 

Wind Energy Myths and Facts 

Description of key wind energy myths and facts X X X X X 

Economic Development Benefits 

Quantifies the economic development benefits associated with wind energy projects X X X X 

Wind Economics General information about the economics of wind 

energy versus other generation sources X X X X 

The Development Process 

Discussion of the typical commercial wind project development steps X X X 

 Public Outreach Methods of facilitating public outreach with your 

constituents X X X X 

Siting Issues Overview of common siting impacts typically 

associated with wind projects X X X X 

Property Tax Incentives 

Discussion of what type of tax incentives are used in commercial wind projects, as well as how to effectively structure such incentives 

X X X 

Power System Impacts 

Brief discussion of how wind projects are integrated into the power system, including integration with existing and future generation and the transmission grid 

X X X 

Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes 

Strategies for developing effective commercial wind energy permitting processes and zoning ordinances 

X X X 

Case Studies Description of successful wind project case studies X X Further Information Additional information on topics not included in 

the guidebook X X 
 4

Brief Wind Energy Overview 

What Is 

It? 

Overview of wind energy basics, including resource characteristics and technology 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

A solid understanding of what wind energy is and how it works will enable you to better 

communicate with project stakeholders and to make better decisions in the public interest. 

Snapshot • The United States has installed greater than 10,000 MW of wind energy to date. 

• U.S. wind resources could meet 20% of the U.S. electricity demand. 

• Today’s commercial wind turbines are typically 150’to 300’ tall, produce enough energy for 

300 to 600 typical U.S. households per turbine, and are down for maintenance less than 2% 

of the time. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X 

Essential 

“Wind Web Tutorial,” American Wind Energy Association Web site, 

http://www.awea.org/faq/index.html. A place to start learning about wind energy’s basic features, 

costs, potential, operating impacts, environmental impacts, statistics, and policy. 

“Guided Tour on Wind Energy,” Danish Wind Energy Association Web site, 

http://www.windpower.org/composite-85.htm. Each one of the chapters in the guided tour is a selfcontained unit. Topics include turbine siting, energy output, generators, turbine design, 

manufacturing, and the history of wind energy. The tour is available in a number of languages. 

“Introduction to Wind Energy,” Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.org/basics/03-introductiontowind.htm. Discusses wind’s basic information 

and provides a portal to learning more about wind. Topics include turbine sizes, industry growth 

rates, environmental impacts, advantages/disadvantages of wind, and landowner guides. 

“How Wind Turbines Work,” U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind and Hydropower Technologies 

Program, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_how.html. Learn how wind turbines 

work, as well as how wind turbine sizes and designs differ. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Wind Energy for Electric Power,” Renewable Energy Policy Project, 

http://www.repp.org/articles/static/1/binaries/wind%20issue%20brief_FINAL.pdf 

“Wind Energy Potential in the United States,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

http://www.nrel.gov/wind/wind_potential.html

“State Wind Resource Maps,” Wind Powering America, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/wind_maps.asp 

“Wind Resource Resources,” Windustry, http://www.windustry.org/resources/windmaps.htm
 5

Environmental Benefits 

What Is 

It? 

Documentation of the environmental benefits of wind power versus other electricity generation 

alternatives 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Power plant air emissions are responsible for approximately one-third of nitrogen oxide emissions, 

two-thirds of sulfur dioxide emissions, and one-third of carbon dioxide emissions nationally. Wind 

energy can avoid or reduce these air emissions, as well as reduce water consumption, thermal 

pollution, waste, noise, and adverse land-use impacts. Understanding wind energy’s environmental 

benefits will enable you to better communicate with interested stakeholders. 

Snapshot Wind energy offers: 

• No air emissions 

• No fuel to mine, transport, or store 

• No water required for cooling (unlike conventional power plants) 

• No water pollution 

• No mercury emissions. 

A 1997 study (“Comparative Air Emissions of Wind and Other Generating Fuels” by the American 

Wind Energy Association) showed the following fuel types annually emitted the following 

quantities of carbon dioxide: 

• Coal: 3,807 billion lbs 

• Natural gas: 291 billion lbs 

• Oil: 122 billion lbs 

• Wind: 0 billion lbs. 

When Will 

It Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X X 

Essential 

“Comparative Air Emissions of Wind and Other Generating Fuels,” American Wind Energy 

Association, http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/EmissionKB.PDF. Quantifies wind energy’s 

environmental impacts to that of other electricity generation sources. A single 750-kW wind turbine, 

operated for 1 year at a Class 4 wind site, can be expected to displace 2.7M lbs of CO2, 14,000 lbs 

of SO2, and 8,700 lbs of NO2. 

“Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy,” Union of Concerned Scientists, 

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/environmental-benefits-ofrenewable-energy.html. A 1995 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that global 

temperatures have risen and that human activities are having a discernable effect on the climate 

system. Wind energy can be a key component of mitigating the climate change risks and represents 

virtually no net carbon emissions. 

Resource Lists 

Further 

Reading 

“Coal vs. Wind Power: You be the Judge,” Union of Concerned Scientists, 

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/coal-vs-wind-power-you-be-thejudge.html 

 “Comparative Impacts of Wind and Other Energy Sources on Wildlife,” American Wind Energy 

Association, http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/wildlife.pdf
 6

Wind Energy Myths and Facts 

What Is 

It? 

Description of key wind energy myths and facts 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Local government officials are typically an information source for a variety of stakeholders. This 

section provides you with accurate information to distribute to your stakeholders and to use for 

internal decision-making. 

Snapshot • An operating modern wind farm at a distance of 750’-1,000’ is no louder than a kitchen 

refrigerator or moderately quiet room. 

• Wind projects and wildlife can and do coexist successfully. 

• Like all energy sources, wind energy receives federal and, in some cases, state subsidies. It 

would be unfair to expect wind energy to compete in the marketplace without the incentives 

enjoyed by traditional energy production methods. 

• Wind energy does not require one-to-one generation backup as it is considered primarily an 

energy resource. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X 

Essential 

“Wind Power Myths vs. Facts,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/050629_Myths_vs_Facts_Fact_Sheet.pdf. As wind power 

generates more electricity in the United States and moves into new areas of the country, more people 

are introduced to wind turbines in their communities. Wind power is still a relatively new 

technology and a number of myths—some based on old technologies, some based on 

misunderstandings—are often repeated. This document uses facts from 25 years of utility experience 

to dispel some of the most common wind power myths. Topics include noise, turbine lighting, 

shadow flicker, communication signal interference, property values, tourism, tax base, safety, tower 

failure, blade throws, wildlife impact, reliability, cost, availability, inefficiency, and subsidization. 

“Wind Energy Myths,” Wind Powering America, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/37657.pdf. 

Discusses the 10 most common wind energy myths. Topics include cost, federal tax incentives, local 

economic benefits, back-up generation, rate increases, system upgrades, power quality, small 

projects, birds, and noise. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“If not wind... then what?”, American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.ifnotwind.org/default.shtml

“Update of Avian and Bat Studies from Windpower Studies,” Western EcoSystems Technology 

Inc., http://www.eere.energy.gov/

windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/workshops/2006_summit/kerns.pdf

“Economic Impacts of Wind Power in Kittitas County,” ECONorthwest, 

http://www.catenergy.com/pdf%20files/Kittitas%20Wind%20final.pdf
 7

Economic Development Benefits 

What Is 

It? 

Quantifies the economic development benefits associated with wind energy projects 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Wind energy projects are proven economic development drivers in the areas where they are sited. 

This section will qualify and quantify the economic development benefits that can be expected. 

Snapshot • The main economic development benefits associated with wind projects are job creation, local 

project spending, annual property and sales taxes, and annual landowner easement payments. 

• Forty to 140 jobs are created during the construction phase for every 100 MW of installed 

capacity; 6 to 10 new jobs are created during the operations phase for every 100 MW of 

installed capacity. 

• $500,000-$1,000,000 in new annual property tax payments are generated for every 100 MW 

of installed capacity. 

• Annual landowner easement payments are typically $2,000-$5,000 per MW of installed 

capacity. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X X 

Resource Lists 

Essential 

“Wind Energy for Rural Economic Development,” Wind Powering America, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/wpa/

flowers_windpower_2005.pdf. PowerPoint presentation that discusses economic development basics, 

economic security, challenges, relationship with rural areas, and specific impacts, including job 

creation, property taxes, and landowner revenues. Several case studies portray the real impacts wind 

projects have had on local communities. 

“Job and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) Model,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/filter_detail.asp?itemid=707. The 

JEDI Model is an easy-to-use tool that analyzes the economic impacts of constructing and operating 

wind power plants. Users enter basic project information to determine the project cost and the 

income, economic activity, and number of jobs that will accrue to the state or local region. Using 

project-specific data and an accurate estimate of the share of spending that is expected to occur 

locally will result in a more accurate analysis of the localized impact. 
 8

Economic Development Benefits, cont. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Comparing Statewide Economic Impacts of New Generation of Wind, Coal, and Natural Gas in 

Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/

windpoweringamerica/pdfs/38154_econdev_compare_statewide.pdf

“Assessing the Economic Development Impacts of Wind Power,” National Wind Coordinating 

Committee, http://nationalwind.org/publications/economic/econ_final_report.pdf

“Quantifying the Economic Development Impacts of Wind Power in Six Rural Montana Counties 

Using NREL’s JEDI Model,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/36414_jedi_montana.pdf 

“Tax and Landowner Revenue from Wind Projects,” National Conference for State Legislators, 

http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Wind/docs/Windlandownerrevenueslegisbrief.pdf 

“What Landowners Should Know,” Wind Powering America, 

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/docs/what_landowners_should_know.doc

“Economic Development Impacts of Wind Power—Summary of Case Study Results,” National Wind 

Coordinating Committee, http://nationalwind.org/publications/economic/casestudy_summary.pdf

“Analysis: Economic Impacts of Wind Applications in Rural Counties,” National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy06osti/39099.pdf
 9

Wind Economics 

What Is 

It? 

General information about the economics of wind energy versus other generation sources 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Understanding the production costs of wind energy and other energy types will enable you to provide 

accurate information to your stakeholders. 

Snapshot • Other energy generation types typically have an input fuel cost, whereas wind energy does 

not. 

• Conventional electricity generation options (excludes renewable sources) are often not 

required to directly account for the societal costs of their environmental impacts. 

• Wind energy’s delivered cost has fallen 90% in the past 25 years and is now competitive with 

other new generation sources (contract prices are typically 4-6 cents per kWh). 

• Wind energy’s economics are largely a function of the project’s size, wind resource, policy 

incentives, and financing. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X 

Resource Lists 

Essential 

“The Economics of Wind Energy,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/EconomicsofWind-March2002.pdf. The economics of wind 

energy have changed dramatically over the past 20 years, as the cost of wind power has fallen ~90% 

during that period. Despite that progress, the wind industry is still maturing, with production volumes 

increasing steadily. Thus, the factors affecting the cost of wind energy are still changing, and wind 

energy’s costs are expected to continue to decline as the industry grows and matures. Several topics 

are discussed: cost and wind speed, improvements in turbine design, economies of scale, optimal 

configuration of turbines, cost of financing, energy policy, and ancillary economic benefits. 

“How Does Wind Compare to the Cost of Other Electricity Generation Options?”, Wind Powering 

America, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/ne_economics_compare.asp. 

In terms of direct costs, larger wind farms in windier areas are considered to be economically 

competitive with new, conventional fossil fuel power plants. But to compare the costs of wind power 

to other types of electricity generation on an apples-to-apples basis, it is critical to consider both 

direct and indirect costs. Indirect costs are those that are imposed on society as a whole that are not 

paid for by generators and therefore are not reflected in the direct costs of electricity. In comparing 

the total costs of wind power with the costs of other alternatives, the costs of air, water, and land 

pollution, as well as fuel extraction, supply lines, and military intervention to ensure supply must be 

considered. 
 10

Wind Economics, cont. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Wind Energy Economics,” Windustry, http://www.windustry.org/basics/07-economics.htm

“What are the factors in the cost of electricity from wind turbines?”, AWEA, 

http://www.awea.org/faq/cost.html

“Wind Energy for Electric Power—A REPP Issue Brief,” Renewable Energy Policy Project, 

http://www.repp.org/articles/static/1/binaries/wind%20issue%20brief_FINAL.pdf

“Colorado Public Utility Commission’s Xcel Wind Decision,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/30551.pdf 

“Federal Energy Subsidies—Not all Technologies are Created Equal,” Renewable Energy Policy 

Project, http://www.crest.org/repp_pubs/pdf/subsidies.pdf 

“The Economics of Wind Energy,” Clipper Wind, 

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/pdfs/workshops/2006_summit/vaughan.pdf
 11

The Development Process 

What Is 

It? 

Discussion of the typical commercial wind project development steps 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

This section will help you to better understand the specific development steps required during the 

course of planning, engineering, and constructing utility-scale wind projects. 

Snapshot The 12 development steps for commercial wind projects are site selection, land agreements, wind 

assessment, environmental review, economic modeling, interconnection studies, permitting, sales 

agreement, financing, turbine procurement, construction contracting, and operations and maintenance. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X 

Essential 

“The Wind Project Development Process,” Distributed Generation Systems, Inc., 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/wind_development_process.pdf. 

Overview of the specific steps and sub-steps that are required to plan, design, construct, and operate a 

typical wind project. 

“10 Steps in Building a Wind Farm,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/10stwf_fs.PDF. An AWEA fact sheet that discusses the 10 steps 

to building a wind farm. The steps include understanding your wind resource, determining proximity to 

existing transmission lines, securing access to land, establishing access to capital, identifying reliable 

power purchaser or market, addressing siting and project feasibility considerations, understanding wind 

energy’s economics, obtaining zoning and permitting expertise, establishing dialogue with turbine 

manufacturers and project developers, and securing agreement to meet O&M needs. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Guidebooks to Wind Energy Development,” Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.org/resources/guidebooks.htm

“Wind Energy Easements: A Guide for Rural Land Owners,” Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.org/easements/default.htm 

“Property Taxation of Wind Energy Assets,” Windustry, http://www.windustry.org/resources/tax.htm

“Community Wind: An Oregon Guidebook,” Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic 

Development, http://www.nwseed.org/publications/Guidebook/oregon_wind_guidebook.pdf
 12

Public Outreach 

What Is 

It? 

Methods of facilitating public outreach with your constituents 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

As a local government official, communication during the development and operation of any project 

is critical. This section will provide you with effective strategies for communicating with project 

stakeholders during the planning, construction, and operation phases. 

Snapshot • Public involvement is always worthwhile and public workshops are crucial. 

• Listen carefully to community concerns and gather information as needed. 

• Effective messages contain three key topics: 

• Begin with the most important item first. 

• Talk in 30-second sound bites. 

• Avoid reading a script. 

• Be prompt when following up with media requests for information. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X X 

Essential 

“Working with the Farm Broadcasters and the Broadcast Media,” Michelle Rook, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/

pdfs/workshops/2005_summit/rook.pdf. Presentation at the 2005 WPA State Summit that discusses 

general rules for working with broadcasters and reporters, how farm broadcasters differ from 

mainstream reporters, and tips for packaging your message. Rook also covers characteristics of good 

interviews and tips for handling tough interviews. 

“Wind Power Facility Siting Case Studies: Community Response,” National Wind Coordinating 

Committee, 

http://nationalwind.org/publications/siting/Wind_Power_Facility_Siting_Case_Studies.pdf. 

The NWCC Siting Workgroup studied communities’ reactions to local wind development projects, 

with the intent of identifying circumstances that distinguish welcomed projects from projects that 

were resisted by the communities. The NWCC Siting Workgroup was also interested in examining 

the changes in community perceptions before, during, and after project construction, as well as 

recognizing what wind project developers can do to address the common concerns that often occur at 

wind project sites. Case studies are presented from southwestern Minnesota, central New York, and 

south central/western Oklahoma. The interviews and background research identified many aspects of 

a successful partnership among wind developers, local communities, governments, and other 

concerned parties. The following approaches were used by developers to successfully deal with 

community concerns: listen carefully to community concerns, educate the public, communicate early 

and often, and remain open to unorthodox solutions. 

Resource Lists 

Further 

Readin

g

“Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities—a Handbook,” National Wind Coordinating Committee, 

http://nationalwind.org/publications/siting/permitting2002.pdf 

“Sample Introductory Letter to Neighbors,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/smallwind/toolbox/SAMPLE_LETTERS/default.asp
 13

Siting Issues 

What Is 

It? 

Overview of common siting issues typically associated with wind projects 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Siting issues typically draw intense public scrutiny. This section provides accurate information and 

analysis of the most common wind energy siting issues. 

Snapshot • The large majority of wind energy siting issues can be mitigated via effective public 

communication by directly addressing pertinent siting issues raised by the public and 

implementing effective siting guidelines. 

• The following estimated annual avian collision mortalities occur in the United States: 

• Vehicles: 60 – 80 million 

• Buildings/windows: 98 – 980 million 

• Transmission lines: 174 million 

• Communication towers: 4 – 50 million 

• Wind turbines: 0.01 – 0.04 million 

• Research shows that wind projects do not have detrimental effects on tourism or property 

values and that turbine noise is minimal. 

When Will 

It Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X X 

Resource Lists 

Essential 

“The Effects of Wind Development on Local Property Values,” Renewable Energy Policy Project 

http://www.repp.org/articles/static/1/binaries/wind_online_final.pdf. The report reviews data on 

property sales in the vicinity of wind projects and uses statistical analysis to determine whether and 

the extent to which the presence of a wind power project has influenced property prices. The 

hypothesis underlying this analysis is that if wind development can reasonably be claimed to hurt 

property values, then a careful review of the sales data should show a negative effect on property 

values with the viewshed of the projects. The results suggest that there is no support for the claim 

that wind development will harm property values. 

“Facts About Wind Energy and Noise,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/WE_Noise.pdf. The fact sheet discusses noise, the types of 

noise produced by wind turbines and wind farms, and how manufacturers reduce wind turbine noise. 

Additionally, a brief discussion on how to reduce the likelihood of a noise problem from a wind 

project is included. 

“Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies and Comparisons of Avian 

Collision Mortality in the United States,” National Wind Coordinating Committee, 

http://www.nationalwind.org/publications/wildlife/avian_collisions.pdf. Reports the estimated 

number of avian collision mortality in the United States, typical causes of avian mortality, and risks 

to avian populations from wind projects. Based on current estimates, avian fatalities related to wind 

farms represent from 0.01% to 0.02% (i.e., 1 out of every 5,000 to 10,000 avian fatalities) of the 

annual avian collision fatalities in the United States. 
 14

Siting Issues, cont. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Wind Radar Interference,” Idaho National Laboratory, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/

workshops/2006_summit/seifert.pdf

“Tourist Attitudes Towards Wind Farms,” British Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.bwea.com/pdf/MORI.pdf 

“Aesthetic Issues and Residential Wind Turbines,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/faq/sagrillo/ms_aesthetics_0405.html
 15

Property Tax Incentives 

What Is 

It? 

Discussion of what type of tax incentives are used in commercial wind projects, as well as how to 

effectively structure such incentives. 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Provides you with the methods, structures, and philosophy of local wind energy taxation. This 

section also briefly outlines what property/sales taxes do/fail to do. 

Snapshot • Property tax incentives are structured as exemptions, exclusions, or credits. 

• To date, 26 states have property tax incentives in place for wind projects, with the large 

majority of property taxes collected locally. 

• What property tax incentives do well: 

• Help with wind energy’s high capital recovery costs 

• Bring wind development to areas with less robust wind resources 

• Offer an excellent negotiation item to developers. 

• What property tax incentives fail to do well: 

• Impact the value of the project’s tax revenue to the local economy. 

• Some tax incentive options: 

• A property tax incentive that is phased in during the project’s early years, when it is most 

needed, and then phased out, appears to provide the greatest benefit to wind developers. 

• County governments should consider the structure and magnitude of property tax incentives 

in nearby counties and states. 

• If your local government has not been given taxing authority over local wind projects by 

state law, consider developing a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) system that will replace the 

lost tax revenue. 

When Will 

It Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X 

Resource Lists 

Essential 

“Property Tax Incentives,” National Conference of State Legislators, 

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/energy/propertytaxFS.htm. Discusses typical property tax structures 

(exemptions, exclusions, and credits), how taxes are collected, and which states have adopted some 

form of property tax incentive. The site also discusses what property taxes do well and fail to do 

well, as well as what they typically cost. 

“Tax Incentives,” U.S. Department of Energy, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/tax_incentives.cfm. Tax incentive programs to 

encourage renewable energy are designed to facilitate the purchase, installation, or manufacture of 

renewable energy systems, equipment, and facilities. The goal of these programs is to reduce the 

investment costs of acquiring and installing these systems. The site discusses the various types of 

incentives, as well as arguments for and against tax incentives. 

“Property Taxation of Wind Energy Assets,” Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.org/resources/tax.htm. A summary of the actual and potential local economic 

benefits of wind power, including a survey of the varieties of approaches throughout the United 

States to property tax treatment of wind energy generation facilities. 
 16

Property Tax Incentives, cont. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Taxing Wind Energy in Minnesota,” Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 

http://www.me3.org/issues/wind/windtax.pdf

“NYSERDA Community Resources for Wind Development,” New York State Energy Research and 

Development Authority, http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Wind/toolkit.asp

“Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE),” 

http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm?EE=0&RE=1 
 17

Power System Impacts 

What Is 

It? 

Brief discussion of how wind projects are integrated into the power system, including integration 

with existing and future generation and the transmission grid 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

Integrating wind energy with existing transmission and generation systems is a complex technical 

and procedural topic. This section provides you with the necessary information to discuss the topic 

with project stakeholders. 

Snapshot • In areas with limited penetration (less than 10%), system stabilities studies have shown that 

modern wind plants can be added without degrading system performance (and in many cases 

they increase system performance). 

• Utility planners traditionally view new generation primarily in terms of its capacity to serve 

peak demand. However, wind is primarily an energy resource, meaning that its value lies in 

its ability to displace more expensive energy and to serve as a hedge against future fuel price 

and emission risks. 

• The addition of a wind plant to a power system does not require the addition of a one-to-one 

backup, as wind is used primarily as an energy resource. 

• Functioning hour-ahead and day-ahead markets provide the best means of addressing wind 

plant variability, and few operating impacts occur when wind represents less than 15% of the 

system capacity. 

• Wind energy’s variability is not a critical transmission integration issue, and many 

transmission service providers have adopted effective procedures for integrating wind 

energy into their existing transmission systems at operating impact costs of less than 0.5 

cents per kWh. Currently, wheeling fees, imbalance penalties, and capacity valuations are 

control-area specific. 

When Will 

It Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X 

Resource Lists 

Essential 

“Utility Wind Integration State of the Art,” Utility Wind Integration Group, 

http://www.uwig.org/UWIGWindIntegration052006.pdf. Study summary showing system impact 

costs attributed to incorporating significant wind generation into the power system. Topics include 

interconnection, integration, transmission planning and market operation, and accommodating more 

wind in the future. Study performed in conjunction with Institute of Electrical and Electronic 

Engineers and the Power Engineering Society. 

“Distributed Wind Generation Study for Northeast Colorado,” Colorado Governor’s Office of 

Energy Management and Wind Powering America, http://www.eere.energy.gov/

windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/filter_detail.asp?itemid=1099. The purpose of the study was 

to determine the ability to interconnect large wind turbines to a typical distribution system in 

northeastern Colorado. The Highline Electric Association’s (HEA) distribution grid was used for the 

study, and the HEA provided the design and operating data on its electric system. Three scenarios 

were evaluated using the existing distribution system and were found to be practical if the amount of 

wind generation added was in the range of one to five wind turbines at a particular location or area, 

within 5 miles of an existing substation. 
 18

Power System Impacts, cont. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Wind Power Impacts on System Operation: A Summary of Results,” Utility Wind Interest Group, 

https://www.nationalwind.org/events/business/31/presentations/smith.pdf

“Utility Integration of Wind Power,” Renewable Northwest Project, 

http://www.rnp.org/Resources/WindIntegration.html

“Wind Energy Interconnection,” National Wind Coordinating Committee, 

http://nationalwind.org/publications/transmission/transbriefs/Interconnection.pdf

“Fair Transmission Access for Wind: A Brief Discussion of Priority Issues,” American Wind Energy 

Association, http://www.awea.org/policy/documents/transmission.PDF 

“Analyses of Wind Energy Impact on WFEC System Operations,” National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/37851.pdf 

“The Effects of Integrating Wind Power on Transmission System Planning, Reliability, and 

Operations,” New York State Energy Research and Developmental Authority, 

http://www.nyserda.org/publications/wind_integration_report.pdf
 19

Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes 

What Is 

It? 

Strategies for developing effective commercial wind energy permitting processes and zoning 

ordinances 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

It is critical for local government officials to have effective permitting, zoning, and siting processes 

in place prior to moving forward with large-scale wind energy development. This section outlines 

the proven strategies and methods of establishing these three critical processes. 

Snapshot Eight elements have been identified for commercial wind development that include effective agency 

review, meaningful public involvement, and timely and defensible decisions: 

• Significant public involvement 

• Issue-oriented process 

• Clear decision criteria 

• Coordinating permitting process 

• Reasonable time frames 

• Advance planning 

• Efficient administrative and judicial review 

• Active compliance monitoring. 

The above guidelines often seek to address land use, noise, avian, aesthetics, soil erosion, water 

quality, public health and safety, cultural and paleontological resources, socioeconomic/pubic 

services/infrastructure, solid and hazardous waste, and air quality/climate considerations with large 

wind farms. 

The following sections also discuss: 

• Information resources for county planners 

• Issues to consider while drafting effective zoning ordinances 

• An example of a successful permitting process 

• An example of an effective state wind energy permitting policy 

• Listing of counties that have developed actual zoning ordinances. 

When Will 

It Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X X X X 
 20

Permitting, Zoning, and Siting Processes, cont. 

Essential 

“Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities—a Handbook,” National Wind Coordinating Committee, 

http://nationalwind.org/publications/siting/permitting2002.pdf. This document is the source for 

effective methods and strategies for permitting wind projects. The handbook is written for individuals 

and groups involved in evaluating wind projects, including decision-makers and agency staff at all 

levels of government, wind developers, interested parties, and the public. Its purpose it to assist 

stakeholders to be informed participates in the wind energy development decision-making process. 

Topics include an overview of wind development and permitting, guidelines for structuring the wind 

farm permitting process, specific permitting considerations and strategies, and case studies. 

“Planning and Zoning for Wind Power Facilities,” American Planning Association Zoning News 

February 2003 article. A great resource for local planners, the article examines siting criteria and major 

impacts of wind turbines in the context of local planning and zoning. Unlike natural gas or coalburning facilities, where regulation occurs at the state level, wind power facility regulation happens 

locally, and most states do not require permits. Any impacts that would need mitigation are generally 

confined to a local area because wind turbines generally have no impact beyond their circumference of 

visibility. However, state permits may be required when facilities impact wetlands, sand dunes, or 

other sensitive environments. As with all projects, review zoning ordinance and the master plan to 

ensure compatibility. 

Resource Lists 

Further Reading 

“Wind Turbine Siting,” Minnesota Environmental Quality Board,” 

http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/EnergyFacilities/wind.html

“MN Model Wind Energy Conversion Ordinance – 2005,” Minnesota Association of County Planning 

and Zoning Administrators, et al., 

http://www.mncounties3.org/macpza/Dist%20D%20modelwindordinancefinal.pdf

“Wind Turbines and Birds: Putting the Situation in Perspective in Wisconsin,” Wisconsin Focus on 

Energy, http://www.focusonenergy.com
 21

Case Studies 

What Is 

It? 

Description of successful wind project case studies 

Why 

Should I 

Care? 

This section provides an analysis of past wind energy projects to illuminate what worked or did not 

work and why. 

Snapshot • Listen carefully to community concerns and gather information as needed. 

• Educate the public using techniques that meaningfully communicate the results of developing 

the site. 

• Communicate early and often with landowners and other stakeholders. 

• Remain open to unorthodox solutions to potential concerns; many can be mitigated with 

effort and flexibility. 

• Many success stories are outlined in the “Wind Power for Rural Economic Development” 

Wind Powering America presentation. 

When 

Will It 

Come 

Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X 

Essential 

“Wind Power Facility Siting Case Studies: Community Response,” National Wind Coordinating 

Committee, 

http://nationalwind.org/publications/siting/Wind_Power_Facility_Siting_Case_Studies.pdf. The 

NWCC Siting Workgroup studied communities’ reactions to local wind development projects, with 

the intent of identifying circumstances that distinguish welcomed projects from projects that were not 

accepted by the communities. The NWCC Siting Workgroup was also interested in examining the 

changes in community perceptions before, during, and after project construction, as well as 

recognizing what wind project developers can do to address the concerns that often recur at wind 

project sites. Case studies are presented from southwestern Minnesota, central New York, and southcentral/western Oklahoma. The interviews and background research identified many keys to molding 

a successful partnership among wind developers, local communities, governments, and other 

concerned parties. The following approaches were used by developers to successfully deal with 

community concerns: listen carefully to community concerns, educate the public, communicate early 

and often, and remain open to unorthodox solutions. 

“Community Owned Wind Projects: Case Studies,” Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.org/community/projects.htm. Community ownership of wind projects has 

proven to be a powerful driver for rural economic development. When local groups own wind 

projects, energy dollars stay local and jobs are created. This page contains information of many 

successful projects and information about different and creative ways to structure them to maximize 

local benefit from clean renewable energy. 

Resource Lists 

Further 

Readin

g

“Wind Power for Rural Economic Development,” Wind Powering America, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/

windpoweringamerica/pdfs/wpa/flowers_mt_2005.pdf

“What Is Community Wind Energy?”, Windustry, 

http://www.windustry.com/community/default.htm
 22

Further Information 

What Is It? Additional information on topics not included in this guidebook 

Why Should I 

Care? 

If you have the time, you can learn more about wind energy projects. 

When Will It 

Come Up? 

Potential Promotion Public 

Outreach Planning Permitting Project Construction 

Project 

O&M 

X X 

Further 

Reading 

Windustry Web site. Extensive information from the very basic to the very complex, 

www.windustry.org 

“Windustry’s Wind Farmers Network.” An online forum for wind energy 

development discussions where experts discuss many aspects of wind energy 

development, www.windfarmersnetwork.org 

“Federal Energy Subsidies: Not All Technologies are Created Equal,” Renewable 

Energy Policy Project, http://www.repp.org/repp_pubs/pdf/subsidies.pdf

“American Planning Association Policy Guide on Energy,” American Planning 

Association, http://www.planning.org/policyguides/pdf/Energy.pdf

“Bring Wind Energy up to Code,” American Wind Energy Association, 

http://www.awea.org/pubs/documents/Perspective2.pdf

Wind Powering America State Wind Working Group Summit, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/

wkshp_2006_state_summit.asp

“Balancing Cost & Risk: The Treatment of Wind Power in Western Utility Resource 

Plans,” Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/pdfs/

workshops/2006_summit/wiser.pdf
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14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words) 

One of the key stakeholders associated with economic development are local government officials, who are often required to 

evaluate and vote on commercial wind energy project permits, as well as to determine and articulate what wind energy benefits 

accrue to their counties. Often these local officials lack experience with large-scale wind energy and need to make important 

decisions concerning what may be a complicated and controversial issue. These decisions can be confounded with diverse 

perspectives from various stakeholders. This project is designed to provide county commissioners, planners, and other local 

county government officials with a practical overview of information required to successfully implement commercial wind energy 

projects in their county. The guidebook provides readers with information on the following 13 topics: Brief Wind Energy Overview; 

Environmental Benefits; Wind Energy Myths and Facts; Economic Development Benefits; Wind Economics; The Development 

Process; Public Outreach; Siting Issues; Property Tax Incentives; Power System Impacts; Permitting, Zoning, and Siting 

Processes; Case Studies; and Further Information. For each of the above topics, the guidebook provides an introduction that 

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and assess the topic. 

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wind energy; county commissioners; rural economic development; wind energy projects; wind projects; wind 

economics; wind project development; wind project siting; wind project zoning; wind project permitting; wind project 

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