What does the pending wind energy siting reform bill do? Does it destroy home rule?
• The proposed Wind Energy Siting Reform Act will address several of the regulatory challenges wind energy projects have historically faced in Massachusetts. The Green Communities Act of 2008 created an energy facilities siting advisory commission charged with determining “whether current laws and regulations do not adequately facilitate the siting of renewable energy and alternative energy facilities” and whether such laws “make it more difficult to site renewable energy facilities than fossil-fueled energy facilities.” The Act also tasked the commission to “make recommendations for changes to such laws and regulations.” A report produced on behalf of the commission documented that wind projects have been difficult to develop in Massachusetts and that our process is more complicated, lengthy, and challenging than in neighboring states. • Far from weakening home rule, the legislation is designed to support municipalities interested in developing wind energy responsibly, and develop a c
