State wind power plans stir up local concerns

Slow down, the Franklin Regional Planning Board has advised the state about its proposed ‘fast-track’ wind energy siting legislation.

The Legislature should conduct a hearing in Franklin County, the regional board wrote this week in its comments on the fast-track bill.

The letter, to the House and Senate chairmen of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, follows similar expressions of concern by the Rowe, Heath and Hawley planning boards that the proposed Wind Energy Siting Reform Act would ’significantly restrict Massachusetts communities’ home rule authority by consolidating and expediting permitting.’

The regional board says that while it appreciates the state’s support of renewable energy projects, it is concerned about hampering the ability of towns to direct wind turbines ‘to the most appropriate locations and to address the scale and impacts of these facilities.’

A hearing on the proposal in Pittsfield last month drew concerns about overriding home-rule provisions by towns, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in May wrote, opposing a section of the bill changing the process for appealing local board decisions by having them go to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board rather than to the court.

Board Chair Thomas Miner of Conway, who signed the letter on behalf of the board, explained, “All we’re really saying is not, ‘Don’t do it,’ but, ‘Let’s have an opportunity to talk together on this and make a decision that works together,’” Miner asked.

“Why does this have to be pushed through immediately? Why isn’t there time for all of us to review this and participate in the decision-making process? It has been on an express train.

“It reflects the direction of the Patrick administration that these alternative energy sources need to be put in place immediately.”

The board’s letter also points out, “The principal reason for the delay of these projects was not the local permitting process, but rather the appeal process for local and state permits,” and calls on the legislation to focus on streamlining the appeals process.

“Towns should retain their permitting authority and not be overruled by a state siting board,” the comment letter says.

It also calls for delaying action on the proposed siting legislation until the drafting and public review are complete for “siting standards” that would set the siting, operation and decommissioning of generating facilities. The Planning Board also asks that a public hearing on those standards be held in Franklin County.

The letter also suggests that the state should have a clear energy policy that demonstrates that if renewable electricity generating facilities are built, they should replace oil-burning or coal-burning plants to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

“Currently, the proposed facilities appear to add to the electric generating capacity rather than replacing polluting facilities,” the letter states.

“We are concerned that facilities are sited to benefit the demands of urban areas while not adequately addressing the impact on the natural resource base and community character of rural towns. … Indeed increasing state conservation efforts could negate the need for fast tracking these facilities.”

By Richie Davis
Recorder Staff

The Greenfield Recorder

4 July 2009

Tags: Wind power, Wind energy

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