© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Legislative Committee Approves Wind Power Siting Regulations

'|'||'| '|'[]||{
/
Creative Commons

New wind energy projects can now move forward in Connecticut. Tuesday's announcement ends a three-year moratorium on wind turbines. 

Back in 2011, the General Assembly agreed to place a moratorium on applications for wind projects until the Connecticut Siting Council could draw up regulations for wind energy in the state. Four times over the last three years, the legislature's Regulations Review Committee has rejected drafts of the regulations.

Finally, on Earth Day, the committee agreed that the Siting Council had fulfilled their duty, and lifted the moratorium. "This is not only a great win for the environment," said Lauren Savidge, a staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "It also opens up a market for wind turbines in our state that will create jobs, and increase the amount of in-state energy generation."

Lawmakers praised the regulations for protecting citizens while opening up a new, renewable source of energy for the state. The lifted moratorium also gives companies wishing to build wind turbines enough time to apply for federal tax credits before they expire.

Ray Hardman is Connecticut Public’s Arts and Culture Reporter. He is the host of CPTV’s Emmy-nominated original series Where Art Thou? Listeners to Connecticut Public Radio may know Ray as the local voice of Morning Edition, and later of All Things Considered.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content