Energize Vermont's Video

I found a documentary made by Energize Vermont regarding the Lowell Wind Project.  The organization was opposed to the idea of putting the 20-21 wind turbines on the mountain top.  They interviewed wildlife biologists, hydrologists, and other people involved with energy organizations, so that they could share their opinions of the project.

Energize Vermont's main argument is that the turbines will be harming the ridgeline.  The process of installing the turbines is said to have 9 headwater streams filled.  Also, wildlife use the ridgelines as travel routes, but wont be able to once turbines are in.

One part of their argument against the Lowell Wind Project was that studies have shown that people living near the turbines have trouble sleeping.  This argument seemed weak to me because it did not show what households would be affected by the turbines due to noise.

Their argument was made more effective by including an interview with an energy consultant, who stated that there must be trade-offs made.  We do not eliminate carbon emissions with no other costs.  Off-shore wind, mountain top wind, solar, and hydropower must be used.

All in all, the documentary was effective at getting their point across.  The Lowell wind turbine project seems to be not the best option for Vermont.  It is harming mountain ridgelines, which in turn is harming the hydrology of the mountain ecosystem.  It seems to be more effective to use a combination of grassroots energy methods than to use industrial sized renewable energy.

Liccardi, John, & Johnston, Alta. (December 1, 2011). Vermont’s Energy Options: Utility Scale vs. Community Solutions [Motion picture]. U.S.A.: Energize Vermont. http://vimeo.com/33008285