Local Chamber Praises Wind Energy as Key to Economic Development

At a recent roundtable hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Conservatives for Clean Energy, Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, Rep. John Szoka (R-45) and Holly Grange (R-20) addressed the question: Are the growing economic developments of wind energy compatible with military operations in North Carolina?

Rep. Bob Steinberg and Lt. Gen. Castellaw

The answer: A resounding yes.

"The bottom line is the military already has an effective, non-political, non-emotional, just-the-facts, well-established process for making sure that wind and other energy projects are compatible with operations and promote our national security. Imposing blanket restrictions on wind development in the name of national security can make us more insecure."

-- Lt. Gen. Castellaw, served 36 years in the Marine Corps including nearly 10 years flying over eastern North Carolina.

Rep. John Szoka

 “We need safe military operations, new energy resources for ratepayers and the benefits of increasing the property tax base for rural counties. I am personally satisfied that wind operations effects are negligible on military training. Recent congressional action that further clarifies the Department of Defense Clearing House procedures, including mandatory involvement of local bases, should remove any remaining doubt to those who may be skeptical of wind.”

-- Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland), is a retired Army Colonel who represents Ft. Bragg in the General Assembly.

“The Edenton-Chowan Chamber is grateful to Lt. Gen. Castellaw and Reps. Szoka and Grange for taking the time to ensure that other members of the legislature have factual knowledge about wind energy’s present and future impact on military operations in our state. We applaud these efforts to educate their peers on how critical the Northeastern North Carolina wind projects and resulting economic benefits are to the growth, prosperity and sustainability for a region like ours.”

-- Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, said after the event.

State Senator Urges Local Chambers to Share Their Stories with Legislators

When an Ohio State Senator knocked on the door of one of his constituents asking what he thought of neighboring wind turbines that had recently been constructed in his neighborhood, the man said: “They’re money for my county, and they’re progress.”

That was more than a decade ago. And ever since, that opinion has been growing in the Senator's district in Northwest Ohio—fueled by the leadership of local chambers of commerce and economic development leaders who have witnessed the economic benefits to their communities.

During a recent briefing call for local chambers moderated by Susan Munroe, the President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber said her county has attracted approximately $1.2 billion in wind investments, along with $2 million a year in new revenue for schools, high-paying jobs, and a new stream of income for area farmers.

But in 2014, the Ohio Legislature passed legislation freezing the state’s renewable energy standards and tripling the distance new wind turbines must be constructed from a neighboring property line—effectively bringing wind development to a halt.

The Senator said Senate budget hearings, expected later this month, are an opportunity to fix that, explaining: “There is now, a proposal to establish a reasonable distance that would be a “wind-win” for everyone.”

The Senator encouraged local chamber and economic development leaders to share with their legislators how wind is benefiting their communities and the importance of maintaining this kind of growth in the state. He also talked about a growing number of large corporations that are demanding renewable energy to power their operations.

“Bottom line, chambers know this better than anyone: If we want to attract major corporations to do business here, we have to be open for business,” he said, adding that it’s important to have the right policies in place to ensure these large companies are bringing their business to Ohio and not other states.

Wind development, he added, can help all Ohioans. “I have farmers in my district saying: I’m growing corn, raising beans and I’m harvesting wind, and I’m proud of it,” he said. “There is room for everyone who cares about making Ohio a better place.”

Munroe will lead another capitol visit with her local chamber colleagues and economic development officials to share their stories of how wind has positively impacted their communities. If you are interested in joining the visit, please contact her at Susan@vanwertchamber.com.