Positive response to Massachusetts 30 MW

While other New England wind projects remain in various stages of limbo, Enxco's 30 MW Hoosac Wind Power proposal for western Massachusetts appears to be flying through its permitting process. At a recent public hearing in the town of Florida, Massachusetts, no one stood to speak when town selectmen asked to hear from those opposing the project. At an earlier town meeting in May, voters favoured the project 170 to 47. An abutting resident did voice some concerns, but those were worked out so that even he ended up by approving the project. One reason for the breezy reception appears to be the careful choice of site. The wind plant, to be built on Bakke Mountain and Crum Hill, will not adversely affect the general viewshed. If all continues to go well the turbines could be turning by early fall 2004. The Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance is discussing buying the project's renewable energy credits with the developers.