Opinions
Wind project system needs overhaul
The "system" needs a major overhaul if small towns with tiny budgets or private citizens wish to have "a seat at the table" when it comes to potential wind development projects.
January 24, 2006
by Cynthia Barber, Newark
in The Caledonian-Record (VT)
Regarding the Sheffield selectmen's rejection of the preliminary proposal from UPC Wind, doesn't it seem odd that a tiny, rural, relatively poor town should have to pay significant money for legal representation to protect its interests in dealing with a deep-pocket wind developer? Mr. Saudek, who has been legally representing the town to date (for which, UPC has contributed $4,000), estimates legal costs for the next two months at $10,000. However, that figure is likely to be a serious underestimate of what will be the true legal costs for the town once UPC applies for a certificate of public good before the Public Service Board (PSB) if the town wishes to have a role in the proceedings.
As intervenors in recent wind-development dockets, both as individuals and as members of Kingdom Commons Group, my husband and I (and others) have been faced with enormous legal bills, all of which are being paid for by local, private citizens. We also forked over large sums for expert witnesses as we tried to demonstrate that the developer's initial studies were insufficient.
Granted, the developers have spent significant money, too, but for them, it is part of the cost of doing business; upfront development expenses are expected. For citizens and towns, who are simply trying to protect our interests, our privacy, and our land, such expenses are totally unexpected and out of the ordinary. The "system" needs a major overhaul if small towns with tiny budgets or private citizens wish to have "a seat at the table" when it comes to potential wind development projects.
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