While Randy Dunning served on the Council, he initiated a saner approach to wind turbines. He proposed an ordinance that would explicitly say that turbines were allowed and that would provide clear guidelines on their installation, maintenance, and removal. The proposal was considered in committee, at work sessions, at the Plan Commission, in more committee meetings, more work sessions, and multiple public hearings.
 
More than two years after the process had started, and after Randy had reached his term limits and was no longer on the Council, the Council approved the ordinance governing wind turbines. By the time we passed the ordinance, several other Metroplex cities had jumped ahead and passed similar ordinances.
 
I gave my reasons for supporting the ordinance here.
 
The new ordinance has now been praised by the Environmental Protection Agency. In a letter to Mayor Ron Jones, Regional Administrator Richard E Green compliments the city for its actions. A facsimile of the letter is below.
 

 

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 6 1445 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 1200 DALLAS, TEXAS 75202-2733

 
Honorable Ronald Jones
Mayor of Garland
Garland City Hall
200 North 5th Street
Garland, Texas 75040
 
Dear Mayor Jones:
 
       I want to compliment the City of Garland for its approval of Ordinance 6284, concerning residential wind energy systems. Clear guidelines will help establish standards for installation of such systems so they can by put into wider use.
 
       Distribute generation of electrical power, such as through on-site wind energy systems, will become increasingly important to our area's electrical supply. These systems seek to reduce the consumer's energy costs and demand for electrical grid power. In turn, this reduces air emissions from area power plants, which will help the Dallas-Fort Worth area meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone. Such systems will assist in the reduction of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global climate change.
 
       Thank you again for the City of Garland's focus on this important issue. Your decision will benefit the citizens of Garland, as well as the greater Metroplex area.
 

Sincerely yours,   Richard E. Greene Regional Administrator

 
 

 
My compliments to Randy Dunning, who started this effort, and to my fellow Council members, who have exhibited a great deal of character tackling this issue.