It seems that Ashfield may be officially opposing H. 4687, the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act. The bill, currently coming for a vote before the Massachusetts House of Representatives, would fast-track wind energy projects by giving the state the authority to override local planning and zoning boards.
At last week’s meeting, Andrew Wells of Bailey road asked the Select Board to craft a letter opposing the bill. At tonight’s meeting, Wells and Lauren Preston Wells spoke against the bill, arguing that they support wind power but feel the bill unfairly robs towns of local control.
Speaking as a concerned resident rather than a blog reporter, I suggested that some residents feel strongly in favor of the bill. If the Select Board opposes the bill, they will not be speaking for all of Ashfield’s citizens.
Select Board chair Dave DeHerdt asked board member Norm Russell to craft a letter based on what he had heard this evening. The letter will be presented for a vote at next week’s board meeting. The public are invited to attend and voice their opinions on the matter.
The full text of H. 4687 is available here.
A representative of Clear Sky Energy, LLC, the wind development company interested in development here in Ashfield, will be present at the June 16 Select Board meeting.
David King
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