Action Alert: Wind

Please take a moment to respond to this Action Alert from the Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network, of which FBH is a member. Like the Friends Network and the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, FBH supports wind power, but believes that these turbines should be sited with community involvement. We encourage you to write a letter and/or add your name to the on-line petition. As this chart indicates, the Blue Hills is not included in the latest list of potential wind sites recommended by the state. Other wind turbine studies, however, have recommended several areas in the Blue Hills as potential sites for wind turbines.

Please submit your comments by July 1, 2009.

Action Alert from the Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network and Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions

Legislation has been filed to streamline permitting for wind power projects. MACC supports provisions of the proposed wind siting legislation that would add these needed protections. It opposes provisions that remove or weaken existing local regulations and permitting authorities, and provisions making it more difficult or impossible for citizens to appeal permits.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently issued a report citing potential development of up to 947 MW of wind power on conservation lands managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. MACC opposes any weakening of protections for Article 97 conservation lands.

TAKE ACTION: Comments on the proposed legislation SB. 1504 and HB. 3065, An Act Relative to Comprehensive Wind Siting Reform can be submitted to the Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy:

The Honorable Michael W. Morrissey - Michael.W.Morrissey@state.ma.us
Room 413D State House Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Barry R. Finegold
Room 473B State House Boston, MA 02133

Comments on wind siting on state land should be directed to:

Commissioner Philip Giudice - Phil.Guidice@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
100 Cambridge St., Suite 1020 Boston, MA 02114

Commissioner Rick Sullivan - Rick.Sullivan@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600 Boston, MA 02114-2104

NOTE: If you do not have time to write a letter, you will find a petition and more information about the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act (H.B. 3065, S.B. 1504) here.