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May
8
Written by:
news editor
5/8/2009 1:00 AM
05/08/09 Governor Ted Strickland signed an agreement Tuesday that will speed the development of wind power generation while establishing process to protect Ohio's natural resources.
Agreement Signed to Speed Wind Power Development, Establish Process to Protect Natural Resources
COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Ted Strickland signed an agreement Tuesday at the American Wind Energy Association's annual conference in Chicago that will speed the development of wind power generation while establishing reasonable safeguards for the conservation of Ohio's natural resources. The Cooperation Agreement was the first of its kind in Ohio and establishes a collaborative relationship between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and JW Great Lakes Wind, LLC for future wind energy development projects.
The agreement establishes timelines for information sharing about wind energy development projects, encourages communication and cooperation on evaluating risks to wildlife resources, and identifies pre- and post-construction monitoring activities to help avoid or mitigate potentially adverse impacts to wildlife and native plant resources.
"This agreement speeds the development of renewable energy, protects our natural resources and serves as a catalyst to job creation," said Strickland. "By establishing a clear, predictable methodology for assessing potential impacts to wildlife, it will help business predict costs and establish aggressive long-term business models. This agreement is a key step toward giving Ohio the tools to compete for the next generation of 'green' jobs."
The agreement includes provisions regarding:
- The importance of developing renewable energy resources in an environmentally sustainable and conscientious manner.
- The need for early information exchange between developers and the ODNR so project siting decisions can benefit from knowledge of wildlife and rare plant communities, and avoid wetlands and other important habitats.
- Use of all reasonable and feasible Best Management Practices to ensure the long-term conservation of Ohio's wildlife resources and natural habitat communities.
- Timetables for project development and sharing data from relevant wildlife monitoring studies.
- The commitment of developers and ODNR to work collaboratively to review relevant data and resolve issues of mutual interest and concern.
- Related issues of jurisdiction, appeals and mitigation processes.
Although studies suggest that wind energy development can have impacts on birds and bats, Ohio has made significant progress in identifying locations and mitigation strategies to minimize these potential impacts. The ODNR Division of Wildlife, which is charged with conserving Ohio's wildlife resources, has dedicated a full-time wildlife biologist to work with wind energy developers on these issues so that wind energy development projects can move forward in Ohio in a wildlife-friendly and sustainable manner.
"The Cooperation Agreement and related monitoring protocols are designed to help speed wind power development without sacrificing environmental protection," said Sean Logan, ODNR director. "This agreement reflects a new spirit of cooperation between both the business and conservation communities. We applaud JW Great Lakes Wind for being the first company in Ohio to make this level of commitment in their development of wind energy resources across the state."
JW Great Lakes Wind is the Ohio-based subsidiary of international renewable energy developer juwi GmbH, whose US corporate headquarters are located in Cleveland.
"Juwi is excited to have formed this alliance with the Governor's office and ODNR to responsibly develop wind projects and bring clean energy jobs to Ohio," said Rolf Krueger, CEO of juwi's US operations.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Dave Scott, Wildlife Research Administrator
614. 265. 6338
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