Speak up on Tuesday evening to let the Commission know what you think.  If you can’t make the meeting, you can email your comments to William Vaughn, Director of Community Development, at wvaughn@rockinghamcountyva.gov
 

A few things to consider in your comments:

1. Are industrial-scale wind turbines appropriate on Rockingham County’s ridgelines?
Rockingham County already has a small-scale wind energy ordinance.  The upcoming public hearing will address adding large industrial-scale turbines to the ordinance.  Small-scale home, farm, or community wind energy is compatible with the rural character of Rockingham. 

However, industrial-scale wind energy is a different story.  Industrial wind would change the character of our forests and mountains.  These projects typically include 50 or more turbines, each about 400 feet high, and can span miles of ridge tops.   Energy from these projects would be transmitted out of the County.  
 
As an alternative, Rockingham County could consider a ridge top protection ordinance such as the one adopted by Tazewell County while still allowing small-scale wind projects.

2. If industrial-scale energy is to be allowed in Rockingham, there are significant wildlife impacts from industrial-scale wind turbines on Appalachian ridgelines, particularly of bat and bird species.  Ask the Commission to require energy companies to consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (the agency responsible for overseeing threatened wildlife species) to ensure that proposed locations will not cause undue wildlife bird and bat mortality.