Sides Debate Proposed Vermont Wind Moratorium

The developer of what could be Vermont's largest wind project says a proposed moratorium would stifle investment in renewable energy.

Seneca Mountain Wind wants to build a 40-turbine project straddling three towns in a remote region of the state.  Manager Jack Kenworthy says a moratorium could send the wrong message to investors.

Wind opponents, led by Caledonia Republican Sen. Joe Benning, want a three-year moratorium on wind projects built on Vermont's ridgelines. Benning says the Northeast Kingdom is being targeted by wind developers and a time-out is needed to study impacts of the projects.

Benning tells Vermont Public Radio  the wind moratorium has bi-partisan support in the Senate. But it's likely to face strong opposition in the House.

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