Establishing Wind Power in Vermont

Developing the full potential of wind resources in Vermont holds great promise for helping to meet the state's energy needs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 177,000 acres in Vermont may be suitable for wind energy development. While much of this land is on federal and state lands, estimates for the amount of power that could be produced each year range from 5-6 million megawatt-hours. This report discusses many of the common concerns associated with the siting of wind turbines, such as noise, aesthetic, and environmental impacts, and examines policies that other states have employed to address these concerns.