BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators are considering whether to set a minimum distance between a wind tower and someone's home.
Now the Public Service Commission requires at least 1,400 feet between a tower and an occupied dwelling. It's meant to protect the property owner from noise and shadows, and a possible tower collapse.
Commission President Kevin Cramer says the minimum distance is not formally spelled out in state rules. He says if the commissioners decide to write rules on wind farm sites, they should be flexible.
Commissioner Tony Clark says the commission should not consider allowing towers any closer to homes than the "fall-down distance."
The commission is holding a wind farm siting hearing Friday in Cooperstown.
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