NC bill would regulate where wind turbines can go

RALEIGH — North Carolina senators are looking more closely at how to balance the growing demand for green energy with environmental protection, development and tourism.

A Senate committee meeting on Tuesday considers statewide regulations for where wind turbines can be built. The proposed law would allow a permit needed to build wind turbines if they would have a negative effect on navigation, wildlife, or the views from any state or national park.

The potential for wind power is greatest at the North Carolina coast and in the mountains. That’s also where tourism interests fear turning off visitors by adding spinning high-tech windmill blades to scenes of natural beauty.

A 2007 state law requires utilities to diversify by adding wind, solar and other green energy sources.

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