Benefits

Most of America’s electricity comes from fossil or nuclear fuels and the price of using these fuels is high, both fiscally and environmentally. Burning fossil or nuclear fuels is harmful to our environment and to our health and contributes to green house gases, which lead to global warming.

With the demand for electricity on the rise each year, it is critical that we embrace alternative energy solutions now. Wind Energy will increase America’s energy independence, create a healthier environment, and improve the quality of life in our communities.

Clean, sustainable wind energy not only benefits the environment, it also rewards the community and its landowners by creating jobs and increasing sales for local vendors and retailers.

Wind Energy benefits include:

• Clean and Safe
• Does not impact the health of our environment
• Reduces the need to burn fossil fuels and build power plants
• Reduces the need to rely on foreign fuel sources
• Wind is unlimited
• Wind is available right now and right here
• Wind does not deplete any natural resources
• Wind Energy reduces the emissions that contribute to global warming

Economic benefits for the communities in Rutland County involved in this project:

• Wind farm “Host payments” to towns. This money could be earmarked to lower property taxes, fund community projects or improve facilities.
• Wind farm payments to Vermont State Education Fund
• Wind farm land lease payments to landownners.
• Long term sustainable forest management is enhanced by lease income.
• Vermont Community Wind will provide energy to Vermonters at favorable rates through stable long term power purchase agreements with Vermont electric utilities.
• Vermont Community Wind will create hundreds of local job opportunities.
• Wind farms generate electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, other air pollution, wastewater discharges, traffic impacts (after construction), solid or hazardous wastes and place minimal demands on municipal services.