Senators introduce wind moratorium bill

State Sens. Robert Hartwell, D-Bennington, and Joseph Benning, R-Caledonia, say they will introduce a bill this legislative session that would establish a three-year moratorium on wind projects with a production capacity of more than 500 kilowatts.

Hartwell and Benning say they drafted the bill in response to increasing public pressure from their constituents who want to slow down the Vermont Public Service Board’s (PSB) permitting process for renewable energy developers, and to allow for more participation and consideration of municipal guidelines and time to assess health and environmental concerns raised by constituents.

How can the Senate tax bill be improved?

Before adjourning for August recess, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee reported a tax extenders bill addressing the fate of over $200 billion in tax extensions.  Among the 55 tax provisions were 13 energy-related tax extensions, that combined will help shape the growth of our clean energy economy. 

While the bill still has a long, uncertain journey  before becoming law, it’s worth examining several of the more important energy provisions related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and transportation fuels.  Before final passage, Congress should take pains to chart a consitent course away from the dirty fuels of the past toward the clean technologies of the 21st century.