Alternative energy ordinance discussion slow
Alternative energy ordinance discussion slows Southeast Iowa Union
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Henry County Supervisors intend to pump the breaks on alternative wind energy ordinance changes
By AnnaMarie Ward | Mar. 11, 2024
- Introduction
- The Henry County Board of Supervisors has decided to delay discussions on potential amendments to the county’s alternative energy ordinances.
- The county attorney has advised the supervisors to slow down the process.
- The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for March 12 has been canceled without a new date set.
- Supervisor Chair Greg Moeller stated that the decision to delay discussions was based on advice from the assistant county attorney.
- The supervisors want to thoroughly review the wind energy ordinance before making any changes.
- Many individuals attended the meeting to express their opinions and ask questions about RWE Renewable Energy’s proposed wind farm project in Northern Henry County.
- The supervisors tried to keep the conversation focused on potential changes to the ordinance.
- Stephanie Kongable Skroch, a Henry County landowner, participated in the meeting via speaker phone and raised specific questions about the ordinance.
- This prompted the supervisors to consider reviewing the ordinance as a whole rather than focusing on individual parts.
- Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington provided clarification on the process for approving alternative energy overlay districts and construction permits.
- The ordinance outlines the requirements for approval before a company can build wind turbines or other alternative energy sources.
- Changes to the ordinance will not alter the requirement for approval from the supervisors.
- Supervisors’ decisions on amendments will become the new standards for companies like RWE to meet in order to gain approval for a wind farm project.
- Changes to the ordinance must go through a public hearing and three readings before approval.
- Supervisor Chair Greg Moeller expressed appreciation for everyone’s input and emphasized the need to carefully review all comments, emails, texts, and letters received.
- The county attorney advised slowing down the process and conducting a thorough examination of the ordinance.
- For further comments, please contact AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the county’s alternative energy ordinances and the potential wind farm project. These issues are connected to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also mentions the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and the need to review the ordinance, which relates to SDG 11, focusing on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article touches on wind energy and its impact on the environment, linking it to SDG 13, which addresses climate action and combating climate change.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article suggests that the county is discussing amendments to its alternative energy ordinances, indicating a potential increase in the share of renewable energy (SDG 7.2). The focus on reviewing the ordinance also aligns with the target of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6). Additionally, by considering wind energy projects and discussing the ordinance, the county is taking steps towards integrating climate change measures into its policies and planning (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the county’s energy mix
- Reduction in carbon emissions from energy sources
- Number of amendments made to the alternative energy ordinance
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, progress towards the identified targets can be measured by monitoring the percentage of renewable energy in the county’s energy mix, which would indicate an increase in the share of renewable energy. Additionally, tracking the reduction in carbon emissions from energy sources would help assess the impact of alternative energy projects. The number of amendments made to the alternative energy ordinance can also serve as an indicator of progress towards integrating climate change measures into local policies and planning.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy in the county’s energy mix |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (11.6) | Reduction in carbon emissions from energy sources |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | Number of amendments made to the alternative energy ordinance |
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Source: southeastiowaunion.com
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