Vermont Approves Shaftsbury Solar Project Amid Community Concerns

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has officially granted a Certificate of Public Good for the proposed Shaftsbury Solar Project, a significant development that has generated both support and opposition within the local community. The decision was made by the three-member board on September 15, 2023, allowing the construction of a 20.0 MW solar electric generation facility off Holy Smoke Road in Shaftsbury.

The project is situated on approximately 80 acres spread across four parcels of land totaling around 182 acres. The developer, VT Real Estate Holdings 1 LLC, operating as Shaftsbury Solar, is a Delaware limited liability company based in Stamford, Connecticut. In its final order, the PUC acknowledged the scale of the project, noting it is comparable to the largest solar generation facility previously approved in Vermont.

Community Response and Environmental Concerns

The PUC’s decision follows a comprehensive review involving extensive testimony from various stakeholders, including residents living near the proposed site. According to the PUC, “The issues raised by the parties’ testimony and legal arguments have required us to confront some complex and competing policy considerations.” This review encompassed concerns over the project’s size, aesthetic impact, road safety, and potential environmental hazards, such as the removal of trees and the implications of energy distribution, as it is expected that much of the power generated may be exported to Connecticut rather than used locally.

Shaftsbury Select Board Chair Zoe Contros Kearl expressed mixed feelings about the approval. In a statement, she recognized that while many community members view the decision unfavorably, others see it as a positive development. “The project has been contentious from the outset, facing criticism for reasons ranging from environmental to aesthetic, and garnering support for reasons ranging from economic to concern for the climate,” she stated.

Contros Kearl also pointed out that the town’s Enhanced Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with the Bennington County Regional Commission, aims to empower local decision-making for future projects. She emphasized the potential benefits of the solar project, which include increased funding for the local elementary school, substantial property tax contributions, and support for the town’s fire department.

Opposition Voices and Future Actions

Despite the approval, significant opposition remains. Bob Hain, a resident of Holy Smoke Road and an intervenor in the PUC case, expressed disappointment: “This project will be less than 300 feet from my front door. I have walked this beautiful parcel of land for the past 25 years. It supports all kinds of wildlife including turkeys, deer, bear, and an occasional moose.” Hain criticized the decision as a “terrible” one for the community, suggesting that financial interests may have influenced the outcome.

Another intervenor, Dr. Michael Algus, echoed these sentiments, highlighting concerns about the project’s industrial scale in a rural area. He pointed out issues related to road safety, particularly regarding heavy vehicles accessing the site. “I was concerned about the beauty of the area, and that could change. There are rolling parts of the road where visibility is limited,” he explained.

Environmental advocates also voiced their discontent. Annette Smith, executive director of Vermonters for a Clean Environment, criticized the project as a poor example of solar development. “Just throwing it up on a big grid, destroying an intact ecosystem, degrading the aesthetics of a beautiful area, it’s not providing benefits to Vermonters,” she stated.

As the community navigates the aftermath of the PUC’s decision, there is an open period for appeals. Contros Kearl has encouraged interested parties to use the PUC’s online portal to file any appeals they deem necessary.

The debate surrounding the Shaftsbury Solar Project illustrates the challenges of balancing renewable energy development with community interests and environmental preservation, a conflict that is becoming increasingly common across many regions.