Providing direction for wind
The resurgence of the wind industry in Eastern Kern has brought needed jobs and economic growth to the county. Kern County now leads California in permitted renewable energy projects for both wind and solar for over 7000 MW. Under the current zoning ordinance, a zone change for a commercial wind project can be proposed anywhere in the county, only limited by the height restrictions adopted to protect our critical military missions. The current Tehachapi Wind Resource Area is not a binding map and has no legal standing. It is not a boundary. It is a conceptual map created by the wind industry to assist their efforts with Southern California Edison and the California Public Utilities Commission to increase transmission capacity and fulfill the state’s policy direction for renewable power. Wind projects have been proposed and approved both inside, and outside, of this area.
On Nov. 8, 2011, the Board of Supervisors, at my request, made a referral to planning staff to bring back a proposed map that would clearly show the community and wind developers the area where we would consider future commercial wind projects. Two major considerations went into the first draft of the map — protecting the view shed for the Tehachapi area and sections of the Highway 58 corridor, and the California Condor’s range. Public input will result in modifications to the draft map.
The map would absolutely not be a guarantee of approval for a wind project, but would be a certainty for the community as to where wind could be placed, and where it will not even be considered by the county. The map would not “fast track” or streamline wind projects.
Even with an adopted wind boundary map, proposed zone changes will require two years of studies and an entire year of public process through an Environmental Impact Report before consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
Companies are currently contemplating land for the next phase of wind development, and I believe the board should move now to discuss what direction we can give the industry that will support them being good neighbors. On Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. in Bakersfield, staff will present options to the board and the community for various maps to address this issue. If the board decides to move forward with the wind boundary, the map will be considered by the Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing and will then return to the board over the next few months for a final decision.
I asked county planning staff to develop this map because my constituents requested it. To view this map, you may visit the Kern County Planning & Community Development Department’s Renewable Energy webpage at: http://www.co.kern.ca.us/planning/renewable_energy.asp.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments and having your assistance in shaping the future for renewable power in Kern County.
ZACK SCRIVNER of Tehachapi represents the Second District on the Kern County Board of Supervisors and was recently named chairman of the board.
