The League of Women Voters of Vermont (LWVVT) adopts the following positions on renewable energy sources and energy conservation measures for the State of Vermont. This position provides state specific guidance for applying the Energy Position of the League of Women Voters of the United States.

The LWVVT should take an active role supporting:

• solar, wind, biomass and wood, and hydroelectric sources of energy taking into consideration the specific advantages and disadvantages of each source;
• utility policies and programs that encourage energy efficiency; and
• utility and state, regional, and local government policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases.

The LWVVT supports programs by the State of Vermont to promote renewable energy resources and energy efficiency.

Therefore, the LWVVT supports state legislation which moves Vermont to predominant reliance on renewable resources, as supported by the LWVUS position.

In evaluating proposed renewable energy proposals, whether public or private, the LWVVT should:

• weigh the abundance of the resources available to support the proposed energy source;
• take into consideration the other resources required for the project; and
• weigh the probable level of success compared to existing technologies.

The LWVVT supports passage of a renewable portfolio standard for the State of Vermont.

The LWVVT supports the concept of green pricing as one tool to promote renewable energy development but does not see it as a substitute for a strong renewable portfolio standard. Everyone should pay for renewable energy. Thus, green pricing should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Public accountability for green pricing must be provided by the Public Service Board and utility auditors.

When evaluating specific renewable energy projects, the LWVVT should consider:

• Environmental impacts, including green house gas reduction
• Public health and safety
• Economic benefits, including job creation
• Efficiency
• Size of environmental, economic, and energy efficiency benefits

The LWVVT encourages the use of individually owned and operated manure based methane gas generators, wood-chip furnaces, solar heating and electricity generation, and wind generators by Vermont families, farms, and institutions provided they meet all environmental impact criteria.

The LWVVT encourages municipalities that tax equipment to exempt renewable energy systems from these taxes

Hydropower The LWV supports the State of Vermont entering into power purchase agreements for out of state hydropower that are advantageous to Vermont rate payers. For example, the League would support investment in the Connecticut River dams if such investment were shown to be economically advantageous to Vermont ratepayers.

Biomass The LWVVT strongly supports increased use of biomass as a source of energy. For example:

• New construction and conversion of wood chip biomass electric generating stations, like McNeil in Burlington.
• Power generation with methane from landfill gases and manure
• Diversion of waste wood from municipal landfills to adjacent biomass generating stations provided air quality and transportation issues are addressed.

Solar The LWV supports the expansion of incentive programs to promote the installation of solar power plants at public facilities, such as schools, town halls, and other public buildings provided they are cost effective.

Wind The LWV supports opening state and federal lands to commercial and public wind power projects with the exception of wilderness areas. Wind power projects should receive full environmental review. Ridgelines should be evaluated for wind power projects using a consistent state standard.

Cogeneration and conservation The LWV supports public and private initiatives to promote cogeneration and district heating provided they are cost effective.

The LWV should work to increase public awareness of energy efficiency and available technical assistance.