The People's Task Force on Wind Power formerly Concerned Citizens to Save Roxbury
This website is in the process of expanding to represent citizens from every place in Maine that is threatened by industrial wind development. The first step is the name change. Stay tuned for further information….
WHO ARE WE?
We are a non-profit organization formed by Roxbury, Maine, residents and camp owners concerned about the proposed installation of 22 highly visible 400-foot tall wind turbines by Independence Wind LLC. If approved, this project would stretch along four miles of pristine mountain ridge separating the village of Roxbury from Roxbury Pond.
WHAT ARE OUR CONCERNS?
“PROMISED” TAX SAVINGS , BUT NO GUARANTEES
Independence Wind has suggested this project would result in significant property tax savings to Roxbury residents. Yet they offer no details, no opinion from the state tax department, or firm commitments on how these savings would be calculated, or what happens if their current assumptions are flawed, or productivity goals don’t materialize. They have no control over what the state might do to equalize tax burdens if towns with wind turbines are perceived to have much lower taxes than their neighbors.
EXPOSURE OF THE TOWN TO FUTURE LEGAL CHALLENGES/COSTS
If this project is allowed to progress, it will open the Town to other types of industrial development in the future, and to challenges to its adherence to governance policies and practices. For instance, the area proposed for re-zoning is only one of the areas in town where developers may wish to install wind farms. The town could be sued for “spot zoning” the land of one owner to provide a benefit not enjoyed by owners of similar properties. These exposures could pose serious financial risks to taxpayers in terms of potential legal costs.
SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RISKS/REWARDS FOR DEVELOPER VERSUS RESIDENTS
Hastily enacted legislation now provides significant financial benefits to wind farm developers in the form of tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and the ability to sell Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) credits to fossil fuel burning facilities. Their motivation for wanting to obtain approvals for their projects is obvious.
Conversely, residents have no such clear-cut benefits. They will not be able to use any electricity from the project because it will be in a high voltage form that cannot be used locally. Residents also face serious environmental consequences and potential legal exposures. Despite these risks, there are no guarantees that promised tax reductions will ever materialize or continue.
QUESTIONABLE ENERGY GAINS FROM WIND FARM PRODUCTION
There is a recognized need to develop alternative sources of energy, and many new technologies are in the experimental stage and may soon prove their long-term value. There currently is a serious scientific debate about the cost-benefit of wind power generation, transmission, storage and its net addition to the energy grid.
LACK OF DUE DILIGENCE
This project would require a fundamental revision to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which currently prohibits industrial development of any kind. Such a radical departure from the existing plan must be approached with diligence by Town officials, with thorough input from the community and attention to the required legal process. To date the tactics and rushed pace in handling this proposed project have not adhered to these principles.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The visual impact of 22 wind turbines towering 400 feet above the treetops on the ridge south of Record Hill would be a major change to the character of the area, significantly degrading the rustic beauty that is our most precious natural resource. Of equal concern is the fact that wind turbine construction and operation involves significant disruption to mountain terrain and wildlife habitat, resulting in long term, unforeseen negative impacts. Everyday, it seems, there is a newspaper article about previously unknown negative effects of industrial wind turbines on humans and animals.
For these reasons we believe the Select Board of Roxbury should slow down and re-examine its apparent desire to allow industrial wind turbines on Roxbury’s ridges and instead encourage a planning process that takes the many issues of wind power into consideration.
Update 1/29/09
We have hired an attorney to represent us in the DEP proceeding which is currently under way. A public hearing is scheduled for February 18th at the Town Office in Roxbury. Contributions for attorney’s fees and expert witnesses should be sent to Concerned Citizens to Save Roxbury c/o Linda Kuras PO Box 121 Roxbury ME 04275
To become a member of CCSR leave a comment on any post on this website and you will receive an invitation to be included in future emails. Your email address will not be displayed on the site.
About the webmaster:
Steve Thurston is a 4th generation occupant of the camp his great grandfather R.D. Thurston of Andover built on Roxbury Pond. He lives in Manchester Vermont where he owns a general contracting business. Steve has served on the following boards or organizations over the years:
Manchester Select Board
Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment
Manchester School Board
Manchester Rescue Squad
Factory Point Bank Board of Directors
Maple Street School Board
Long Trail School Board
Manchester Conservation Commisson
Manchester Transportation Initiative Committee
Manchester Downtown Task Force
and most recently Concerned Citizens to Save Roxbury
Steve can be reached at steve@peoplestaskforce.org
1 year ago