The Pragmatist

As Vermont looks to replace the power from the imminent close of Vermont Yankee, it begins debates about projects to produce this power. Most notably, the Vermont Public Service Board is holding public hearings to discuss the Lowell Wind Project — an issue that is drawing conservationists and environmentalists alike.

Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric Co-op have proposed a plan to build twenty wind turbines in Lowell, a town in the Northeast Kingdom. This project would be the largest of its kind in Vermont, and offers a number of economic benefits. As this is a Vermont company, there will be benefits, like job creation and taxes paid in state. Green Mountain Power would pay around a million dollars per year in property taxes to the state. Supporters of the plan say it highlights the need for clean energy for Vermonters, by Vermonters, delivered in the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible way. The fact that a Vermont-regulated utility owns the project means that the state controls the project long-term.

Vermont currently has one of the smallest carbon footprints in the country because it receives much power from Hydro-Quebec and Vermont Yankee. Green Mountain Power now owns eight hydropower dams, which are the least expensive in its energy portfolio because it has owned them for decades. This will be eventually be true for the Lowell Wind Project. Shumlin supports wind energy, but has also been in negotiations to buy electricity from Canada.

Initially, the energy from Lowell will cost less than other wind projects, but it will cost more than what Vermonters currently pay. Vermont’s contract with Hydro Quebec is for thirty years, so in the long run the state cannot guarantee it will be able to negotiate consistently lower prices.

However, the Lowell Wind Project does pose some environmental risk. It has material implications for wetlands, storm water, run off and erosion. Opponents of the project say wind energy is intermittent and unreliable. Over the past 40 years, Vermont has enacted legislation for conservation, but I argue that renewable energy should be viewed in a different light.

A year ago, I wrote about the closure of Vermont Yankee. I called for expansion of renewable energy projects, but I also discussed building a new nuclear power plant. The Lowell Wind Project is a crucial step forward and will fill the gap, represented by the loss of Vermont Yankee, with renewable energy sources. If this project can be implemented quickly and successfully, it provides important evidence for the viability of replacing more of Vermont Yankee’s energy with renewable energy projects. I think the economic reasons, such as job creation, long-term control and lower prices, are compelling when set against conservation concerns. I am not advocating for building numerous wind farms on every single ridgeline in Vermont, but several well-placed projects are vital to diversify Vermont’s energy sources.

Several years ago there was debate over a similar project in New York. When I bike back from work in the summer, a pristine view of the ridgeline is slightly marred by several tiny columns. In a perfect world, I could have my cake and eat it too. I could have my perfect view, and still use electricity. Unless Vermonters are willing to cut their energy, the Lowell Wind Project is an essential component of Vermont’s energy future.