The Poldermodel approach is consensus-based. The poldermodel is a model on which Dutch society and politics are based. The Poldermodel ensures that different planning systems are used for every ministry. There is a need to draw all planning systems together into one system. This is done by means of communication and negotiation. The Poldermodel intends to involve as many (relevant) stakeholders as possible to give every person the possibility to plan developments on the scarce land.

The Town of Londonderry, Vermont (the “Town”) Planning Commission (the “LPC”), hereby submits its recommendation to the Public Service Board (the “Board” or “PSB”), pursuant to Vt. Stats. Ann. Tit. 30, § 248(f), with respect to the petition or application for a Certificate of Public Good filed or to be filed by Glebe Mountain Wind Energy, LLC (or any affiliated entity) for an industrial wind turbine electric generating facility and associated transmission lines to be located on Glebe Mountain, in Londonderry and Windham, Vermont.

The Secretary of State accepts the Inspector’s [David M H Rose] findings on the section 36 application. He agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions that the Whinash site is an important and integral part of a far reaching landscape which is highly sensitive to change and that the adverse environmental impacts of the Development would conflict with the aims of Planning Policy Statement 22 which is, in part, to minimise the impacts of wind generation and to achieve environmental safeguards. He also agrees with the Inspector’s conclusion that the environmental harm to this particular landscape outweighs the benefits of securing renewable energy at the Whinash site. The Secretary of State therefore accepts, taking account of the further comments below, the Inspector’s recommendation that consent be refused.

Editor's Note: The pdf file contains the complete report.

Meredith resident Dr. Kenneth Jaffe's presentation to the Town of Meredith Planning Board on the proposed industrial scale wind plant (=> 100 wind turbines, each over 400 feet tall) within the framework of Meredith's recently adopted vision statement that reads:

We must preserve and maintain the Town of Meredith’s historic, agricultural and rural character. We must guide development to meet the economic, social and recreational needs of all residents. We must foster a unified community while maintaining the ambiance of a small rural town with the uniqueness that is Meredith. We must realize this vision in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

Editor's Note: Dr. Jaffe's report on the safely issues related to ice throws is available via the link below.

This report surveys the intense debate now taking place as to why the chosen strategy is not achieving its objectives. We believe that a principal factor is to be found in the increasingly controversial renewable energy policy, which is widely criticised for its lack of balance and its over-emphasis on onshore wind at the expense of other technologies.

Senator Kevin Parker's (et al) bill calls for a siting process for wind production facilities and seeks a report with recommendations for an overall sitings plan. The bill was introduced on 1/27/05 and is currently (1/4/06) before the Energy & Telecommunications Committee.

These guidelines have been developed by the Energy Office, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth to assist local governments to develop siting requirements for wind energy systems. These guidelines are not intended to apply in urban areas that already have height, noise, setback and other requirements that can be applied to wind energy systems. These guidelines have been developed with the intention of striking an appropriate balance between the need for clean, renewable energy resources and the necessity to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The guidelines represent recommended zoning language for local governments to use if they amend their zoning ordinance to address wind energy systems. The Energy Office, DLEG has no authority to issue regulations related to siting wind energy systems.