The responses to these questions and the comments made
by those who spoke to the full group at the end of the
meeting are summarized below. Please note that the responses
are combined rather than being sorted by question because
many of the responses overlapped. The responses are presented
by topic, so that the reader can see the full range of
perspectives on a given topic.
Policy Development Process
Process is backwards—need overall state policy
first, then ANR policy
ANR policy will provide info and guidance for all land
ANR should set example and standards
State should think 25, 50, 200 years out. Current planning
is too short-term
Decision should be made democratically
Increase public input on this issue—possibly a referendum
Take more time for the policy development process
Policy incentives for small producers
Need more comprehensive energy policies
Take the time to ensure that all necessary studies are
done
Interaction of ANR policy and ACT 248?
Policy should be consistent w/ criteria for other uses
of state lands (timber harvesting, ski areas, etc.)
Fact sheet info sources should be noted
Thanks for seeking public opinion
Use of State Lands
Stay true to ANR mission statement
Use of ANR lands should be for the public good
Demonstration on public good should be compelling
ANR lands should be held to a higher standard than private
lands
Exercise good stewardship on lands that are made available
for wind power
Wind is a natural resource that it’s appropriate
for the Agency of natural Resources to develop
Balance public use w/ environmental and energy concerns
Develop wind power on ANR lands that are developed (ski
areas, transmission lines, etc.)
Use the power from wind development on ANR land for schools
and municipalities
Strong oversight/enforcement of permit conditions needed
Limit turbine size and numbers
Look at long-term impacts and benefits
Wind resources are limited; ANR land w/ these resources
should be developed
State should take an active research role in assessing
costs and benefits of wind development
If wind development is allowed take small steps w/ pilot
projects
Preserve Vermont traditions
ANR should stimulate wind development on private land
Private lands should be developed first
Development on ANR lands should be subject to Act 250
Allow small-scale turbines for local use
Information Needed
Need cost benefit analysis comparing wind power to other
energy sources and conservation. Analysis should include
economic, environmental, social and health factors.
Assessment of environmental and energy impacts that takes
into account the Vermont context.
Map w/ wind potential for all of Vermont
ANR should seek funding for bird and bat studies
European studies
California studies
View prototypes
Studies re impacts of wind on outdoor recreation
Info re efficiency
Environmental consequences of not using renewable resources
Site specific impact analysis for high elevation, cold
climate
Info re smaller turbines that might be located below the
ridgelines
Role
of Wind Power in Vermont’s
Energy Mix
Wind isn’t going to make a big difference
Need to move quickly to develop renewables
Replacement power needed for expiring Hydro Quebec and
Vermont Yankee contracts
Vermont should take lead in developing safe, clean energy
Reduce dependence on foreign oil
Private industry should decide efficiency
Develop private sites before public ones
Premature to develop wind power w/o a state energy plan
Energy Conservation should be emphasized first
No more than 10% of Vermont’s total energy should
come from wind on ANR land
Power should be used by and sold to Vermonters
Broad public support for renewables in Vermont.
Concern re intermittent nature of wind as a power source
Back-up power source needs of wind
Energy diversification
Scarcity of conventional fuels
Consider external costs of conventional fuels
Sustainability of wind
Encourage local municipal investment in wind power
Consider wind development by non-profit organizations
Vermont won’t benefit from other states buying energy
credits and continuing to produce high emissions that
cause acid rain in Vermont.
Visual Factors
Turbines look elegant
Turbines not visually compatible w/ Vermont landscape
30 years of ridgeline protection through Act 250 should
be considered before changing policy
Turbines could be part of the working landscape
Consider smaller turbines at lower elevations
Don’t allow structures that require FAA lighting
Ridgelines are sacred – Vermont’s pride and
joy
Use photo simulations to assess impacts
Economic Considerations
Need good information about cost and payoff over time
No private commercial use of public land
Wind development should be state or municipally owned,
unless private development is the only alternative.
License fees should be commensurate with profits --don’t
sell it too cheap.
Need info comparing costs of wind to those of other energy
sources and to cost of conservation
Impact on property values
Negative impacts on tourism
Could increase tourism -- consider building visitor’s
centers for wind projects.
Vermont-owned wind companies
Jobs
Electric rate reduction
Tax benefits of wind generation
Environmental Considerations
Need good science and good engineering info to assess environmental
and economic tradeoffs
Need careful studies and ways to minimize impacts on wildlife,
endangered species, water, and forests
Need siting criteria
Minimize roads
Minimize construction-related impacts
Erosion
Habitat fragmentation
Increased access for exotic species
Impacts on birds and bats
Impact on bear habitat
Impact on old growth vegetation
Need info comparing environmental impacts of wind to those
of other energy sources and to environmental impacts of
conservation
Global warming
Respiratory health
Health impacts of wind development?
Public safety and ice throw
Noise
Recreation
Impacts on camping, hiking, public access
Net Metering
Net metering could have less restrictive standards than
those for commercial wind development
Decommissioning
Require bond posting to cover decommissioning
Are impacts of wind development permanent?
Need plan for turbine removal
Misc.
Consider development of Class 3 areas
