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Politics : Rat's Nest - Chronicles of Collapse -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (2358)	10/3/2005 12:47:14 PM
From: Wharf Rat	Respond to of 24211

Douglas favors "Vermont scale" wind projects October 2, 2005 MONTPELIER, Vt. --Gov. James Douglas is stuck in the middle of the debate over developing wind energy in Vermont. Douglas is expected to issue a proclamation this week declaring October "Wind Energy Month," but his spokesman, Jason Gibbs, says the governor is in favor of wind energy only if it is developed on a "Vermont scale." "He believes wind energy can play a role," Gibbs said. Wind energy supporters say Douglas has been discouraging development of the type and size that would make a difference for Vermont's energy future. Gibbs said the governor is not in favor of the "industrialization of the state's ridgelines" and does not support proposed wind projects, except for the four-turbine East Haven Windfarm pilot project on East Mountain in the Northeast Kingdom, and only then as a demonstration project. Gibbs defines "Vermont scale" as single-turbine wind generators for individual homes or businesses. Douglas promised more than 300 participants at a recent renewable energy conference sponsored by Renewable Energy Vermont that he would issue the wind energy month proclamation. This pleased the crowd of partisans at the event, but they are looking for more than a proclamation. "We were leaders in wind energy, and now we're falling behind," Andrew Perchlik, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont told the Rutland Herald. "We're glad he declared October Wind Energy Month. We're glad because as he gets more information about the issue he gets more supportive." Gibbs said that Douglas recently toured a large Hydro-Quebec wind facility on the Gaspe Peninsula and came away with concerns about the construction of such a facility in Vermont. Stephen C. Terry, spokesman for Green Mountain Power said he was disappointed with the governor's view, and that Gibbs' statements on behalf of the governor were the administration's strongest statements to date on wind energy. "There is a need for renewable energy in Vermont, more than a single windmill on a farm or on a state park. There are a few places, locations in Vermont, where it is appropriate to site wind generation," Terry said. "We have a rigorous state and federal permitting process and if projects can work their way through those hurdles, they should be allowed to be built." boston.com