The Sheffield Wind project, which has been underway since 2005, promises multiple benefits for the town of Sheffield, and for Vermont as a whole. The Sheffield Wind project is a series of wind turbines, which are operated by a company called First Wind. According to the First Wind Sheffield wind project website, these wind turbines will produce 115,00 megawatt-hours of energy per year, for local towns. Wind powered turbines, and all alternative energy methods provides relief the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels for energy. Burning fossil fuels is destructive to the environment and our health, as well as contributing to global warming by emitting green house gases. Wind turbines however, offer a cleaner and more sustainable method of energy, then the traditional way. Wind power is safe on Vermont’s lakes and rivers because it uses no water and does not emit mercury. First Wind says this project will also benefit locally by providing close to 200 jobs, and by using local services, which will filter back into Sheffield and other local towns. Many residents of Sheffield see the Sheffield Wind project as a positive action to take for the town, but this project does not have full support among people in the community.
Benjamin Luce is an assistant professor of physics in Lyndon State College’s Sustainability Studies program. Dr. Luce grew up around mountains and loves Vermont, he is deeply concerned with the need for renewable energy sources in the state. Luce does not believe that the contraction and bulldozing needed to set up wind turbines is appropriate for this scenic area. He also brings up the negative impact on bats, birds, and potentially other animals and the environment. More importantly, Lace brings up that wind power only reduces about 1% fossil fuels when places on a ridgeline, like in Sheffield. Luce says that wind turbines don’t make sense in Vermont because it takes away from the culture and scenery in the area, and is not that efficient of a energy source anyways.
For more from Ben Luce, watch the video below
