The Iron County Planning Commission has completed their review of the newly proposed Iron County wind ordinance and will be presenting the proposed final version to the Iron County Commissioners. The Utah State Energy Program, by directive of the Utah State Legislature in 2008, worked with multiple stakeholders and national experts to develop a Model Utah Wind Ordinance outlining nationally accepted ordinance measures. The model ordinance is intended to provide a resource for Utah municipalities interested in developing wind ordinances that encourage reasonable and responsible wind development. Iron County’s proposed wind ordinance is substantially different from the model ordinance and, as written, and may be difficult for residents or businesses to understand. While the ordinance has improved significantly from its original drafts, the present ordinance may deter potential wind development opportunities in Iron County.

 Wind development provides substantial economic development benefits to Counties, schools, and land owners. Wind also provides opportunities for increased energy security and self-sufficiency. Wind ordinances can make or break wind development in a County. Neighboring Beaver and Millard counties have successfully attracted and encouraged renewable energy development and are now home to Utah’s largest wind farm, which has increased tax revenues for their counties. Iron County features comparable renewable energy resources to Beaver and Millard Counties and has the opportunity to remain competitive with its surrounding Counties and successfully attract wind and other renewable energy projects with their associated economic benefits. Through the adoption of a wind ordinance that reflects the well-vetted, nationally accepted wind ordinance measures, Iron County can attract responsible and safe wind development. while at the same time protecting Utah’s scenic lands and wildlife.