MMA testifies on wind power siting bill
On May 20, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on bills (H. 3065 and S. 1504) that would expedite the siting of wind energy facilities.
Norfolk Selectman Rob Garrity testified on behalf of the MMA.
The Legislature created the Energy Facilities Siting Commission as part of the Green Communities Act. Over the past six months, Garrity has worked with state officials, environmentalists, planners, wind developers and scientists to develop language for the bill.
The legislation would:
• Include a municipal voice on the Energy Facilities Siting Board to ensure that the board considers any impacts on land-use planning and municipal development, as well as energy considerations
• Allow the development of a single-board process for the permitting of wind facilities, with the participation of a community’s land-use boards, to simplify the process while addressing community concerns
• Streamline and set time limits on state permit processes, to avoid projects being held up for years in state permitting or adjudicatory proceedings
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs noted that several wind energy projects have been delayed despite municipal support.
The MMA spoke in opposition to a provision in the bill that would have all appeals of local board decisions, as well as state bodies, go to the Energy Facilities Sitting Board. Under current law, appeals of local board decisions go to the judiciary, usually the Superior Court.
The MMA will work with the committee to come up with language that will protect the local decision-making process.
Written by MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Tom Philbin
Massachusetts Municipal Association
26 May 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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