Hawley says he’s working on state legislation to keep turbines from military bases
File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Oct. 14, 2015 shows some of the 400-foot-high turbines in Sheldon, Wyoming County. Apex Clean Energy is proposing a project that would have about 70 turbines more than 600 feet high in the towns of Yates and Somerset.
In November, Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) announced he introduced legislation that would curb the installation of wind turbines in close proximity to military installations, such as the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in Niagara Falls.
Now, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, said he is working on similar state legislation. Hawley on Friday said he and Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, are working together to craft the legislation.
Collins in late November introduced the “Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act.” It would ensure that any new wind turbines located within a 40-mile radius of a military installation will be ineligible for renewable energy tax credits.
“Our military installations are crucial to the security of our nation,” Collins said on Nov. 29. “This legislation ensures that military installations like the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station can fully operate without potential interference from wind turbines, some of which can be as tall as 600 feet.”
Apex Clean Energy is proposing “Lighthouse Wind,” a project that would have about 70 turbines more than 600 feet high in the towns of Yates and Somerset. The company said the project wouldn’t have a negative impact on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Hawley said he also opposes the Article 10 process where a state-appointed siting board has the say in approving or rejecting large-scale wind energy projects.
“Article 10 has been a horrendous thing,” Hawley said.
