Vermont releases renewable energy siting rules

The rules, implemented under Act 174, allow towns to have a say in how renewable energy projects are sited, but does not give municipalities the ability to reject solar and wind developments altogether.  The regulations require municipalities to participate in a local and regional planning process.  While the Public Service Board will consider municipal plans, the board has the ultimate say regarding where renewable energy projects are sited. Critics have objected to Act 174 because it doesn’t give towns veto power. Jon Copans, the deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service, says the state’s 11 regional planning commissions are currently collecting and organizing the maps and information for municipalities. “This message isn’t just for the municipalities, but also for Vermonters — they should know that advance planning is happening in all regions of the state,” Copans said. Now is a good time, Copans said, for Vermonters to get involved in the process, to review maps and data the commissions are putting together, and to learn more about how Act 174 will affect siting.