These may be the first projects, but they won't be the last. There are
currently significant state and federal incentives for alternative
energy. Some expire at the end of this year, but others won't and don't.
There are tax credits and grants, loans and leases. Expect new ones to
be adopted and others to be extended.
Entrepreneurs are turning their energies to how to create new systems,
how to structure new types of public/private partnerships and how to
take advantage of all the appropriate state and federal funds and tax
breaks. And that is as it should be.
The time to make the shift to renewable energy is now (although some
will correctly argue that the time to make the shift was 30 or more
years ago). And there is nothing wrong with businesses seizing this
moment to make money -capitalism is not the problem here.
The only problem here is making sure that the development of alternative
energy systems is done thoughtfully in our community and that it is
done with real public input and thought to the consequences, aesthetics
and impacts on everyone - as well as those who abut a particular
project.
By Vermont statute, alternative energy systems of 150kW or less require a
somewhat cursory review by the Vermont Public Service Board and such
projects are exempt from local zoning, unless the Town Plan has specific
policies in place.
Since local Town Plans currently have no specific policies in place
(except for Waitsfield's, which does not allow wind towers on
high-elevation ridgelines), the only way for people to participate is by
paying attention to the information that comes to local select boards,
which must be notified when systems are proposed.
This week's hearing on a proposed solar array in Waitsfield drew a room
full of people, all with questions and comments. Next week's discussion
at the Waitsfield Planning Commission regarding a wind farm proposal is
likely to draw a crowd as well.
Without a formal way for citizens (other than abutters) to participate,
it is incumbent on municipal leaders (and local media) to make sure the
public knows when such proposals come up so that people can participate
and have their voices heard in this critical process. The train has left
the station; we need as many people and opinions on board as possible.
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