MONTPELIER, Vt.—A citizens' group opposed to a wind farm planned for Sheffield has appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.
Lawyers for Ridge Protectors argue that the Vermont Public Service Board, which approved the project in August, did not show how it would be an economic benefit to the state or its residents.
The board granted Massachusetts-based UPC Wind approval for 16 wind-power turbines on a ridge line in Sheffield, with 32 conditions, including noise limits from turbine operations and a UPC sponsored wildlife management plan.
Monday's appeal says the board found that UPC had failed to negotiate stably priced power contracts with Vermont utilities, and the absence of those contracts "would not provide an economic benefit to Vermonters sufficient to offset the project's significant environmental impacts as found by the Board."
The appeal also says the board was wrong to conclude that the 2006 regional plan for the area, which excludes commercial wind turbines, did not apply to the project, and that the project would not harm the region's scenic beauty.
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Information from: The Caledonian-Record, http://www.caledonian-record.com
