By Will Collette
You should watch the video to hear all of Tim's remarks which were based on the following official position taken by the CDTC
Position of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee on wind energy and Ordinance 341
- The CDTC opposes Ordinance 341 as currently drafted
- This proposed ordinance imposes an indefinite, if not permanent, ban on any and all wind-to-electricity generators, regardless of size, type or purpose
- Such a total ban would be the first of its kind in the country, represents a step backwards away from proven alternative energy technologies and would expose
- Ordinance 341 is a radical overreaction to concerns voiced by the neighbors of two large proposed wind turbine projects
- Instead of a total ban, the CDTC recommends the Town Council enact a ban on industrial-sized wind projects, currently defined by ordinance as taller than 200 feet and generating more than 100 KW
- Further, the CDTC recommends the Town Council de-regulates small generators for home or business use, currently defined by ordinance as generating less than 15 KW, especially in light of the recent prolonged electrical grid failure most Charlestown residents endured, subject only to the town’s existing noise ordinance (Chapter 152) and the building inspector’s authority to determine the safety and integrity of structures (Charter, Article XXXII, §C-115)
- After banning industrial-sized turbines and deregulating small turbines, areas where town residents seem to be in agreement, the Council may then focus on how to properly regulate wind projects that are less than 200 feet high and generate between 15KW and 100KW
The Charlestown Democratic Town Committee believes our town needs a balance between the concerns of neighbors of proposed commercial or municipal wind projects and the need to move forward to develop clean, renewable alternative energy.
