Berkshire Residents Urge Local Control Of Wind Projects

Nearly 100 Berkshire residents turned out in Pittsfield Monday night to voice their disapproval of industrial wind farms in their backyards. The public hearing ran longer than three hours as people continuously spoke about turbines negatively impacting human and animal life. They also call them eyesores. It was the third of five hearings to be held by the state’s Department of Public Utilities as part of an effort to research best wind siting practices . In June 2013, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced its Community Wind Outreach Initiative. DPU spokesperson Mary-Leah Assad says the guidelines will be established later this year and will be completely voluntary. “Through the investigation the department is hoping to develop siting guidance for municipalities considering these projects,” Assad said. “As part of that investigation the public hearings in various communities allow for members of the community to provide input on what those best practices are