Wind energy: legal issues and institutional barriers

Before the potential of wind energy can be realized, large-scale commercialization will have to occur. Standing in the way of commercial development are various institutional and legal barriers. These include (1) possible conflicts with existing zoning and other land-use planning schemes, (2) the question of guaranteeing access to the wind, (3) possible tort and environmental law issues raised by WECS operation, and (4) the critical problem of creating financial incentives. The implications of each of these issues and solutions where practicable are presented.