Thanks to a legislative task force on wind energy, next year Wyoming may have a good regulatory structure in place for the development of wind farms.

But first, the plan must be approved by the Legislature, and the related bills will need two-thirds support just to be introduced in next year's budget session. Lawmakers who didn't serve on the task force should recognize that it's an essential component if Wyoming wants to make the most of opportunities to develop this important renewable energy resource.

About 20 wind farms in Wyoming produce about 1,000 megawatts of electricity, including about 170 megawatts that were added during the summer. According to the American Wind Energy Association, Wyoming's new wind capacity was the fifth highest in the entire nation during the third quarter. Meanwhile, dozens of more projects are being considered by companies throughout the state.

Currently, only six Wyoming counties -- including Natrona -- have wind development regulations in place. Eight counties, meanwhile, have no zoning at all. The task force recommended minimum state standards for wind farms, but counties would be allowed to enforce more stringent regulations if they want to.

It's the right approach. Wind projects could easily cross county lines, and there shouldn't be a hodgepodge of rules for different counties. The task force's plan would ensure that the state standard would be met in all counties.

The county permit application would require plans for logistics such as waste management and traffic, minimum setbacks, and public hearing and comment requirements. The county regulations would also require companies to show plans and financial assurances for decommissioning, or taking down wind farms.

Another major change would expand the powers of the state Industrial Siting Council, which now doesn't have authority over all wind generation facilities in the state.

The task force has recommended that counties have the ability to defer permitting to the Industrial Siting Council, regardless of a project's size. It's an option several counties, especially those without zoning, would likely welcome.

It's worth noting, however, that the task force's draft proposal states that once the permitting process has begun at the request of any county board of commissioners, it cannot be withdrawn. All decisions of the Industrial Siting Council would be binding.

The task force suggested revising the Industrial Siting Act to give the council authority over projects with 30 or more wind turbines or those that generate at least 50 megawatts. While the Legislature may want to change those numbers, they are a good starting point for discussion.

There should be ample support for the proposal. The Wyoming County Commissioners Association asked for most of these changes at an August task force meeting.

The initial reaction from industry has also been positive. "We'll see how it develops, because obviously this is a very initial draft," Cheryl Riley, executive director of the Wyoming Power Producers Coalition, told The Associated Press. "But as of right now, we're pretty supportive of it."

Having a state regulatory structure for wind power would be good for companies, so they know exactly what is expected before they make large investments in projects. Riley correctly noted, "It's not knowing what the rules are that makes life difficult."