Publications - The Mass. Wind Recovery Siting Reform Act of 2009

Publications

The Mass. Wind Recovery Siting Reform Act of 2009

The recently introduced Wind Energy Siting Reform Act of 2009 in the Massachusetts Legislature is aimed at providing incentives for the development of on-land wind power and other energy efficient sources. The bill is designed to encourage the development of clean, renewable, electric generating plants and ancillary facilities powered by wind; ensure siting occurs in appropriate locations based on clear, predictable, environmentally protective standards; streamline the permitting process; and reduce delays associated with appeals of such permits.

The expedited permitting process currently available to larger facilities, 100 or more megawatts (MW), is proposed in the bill to enable smaller facilities, including wind-power land-based facilities that generate 2 or more MW, to access a faster streamlined permit-process as well. The legislation uses some of the concepts found in other development and permitting laws, such as G.L. c. 40B (comprehensive permits), and 43D (permit streamlining), by providing options for faster approval.

No doubt much debate will ensue before the legislation becomes law.

Susan Bernstein, attorney at law, Needham, Mass.

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SUSAN A. BERNSTEIN, Attorney at Law Environmental, Real Estate, Land Use Law	200 Highland Avenue, Suite 306 Needham, MA 02494-3035 Tel: 781-290-5858 Fax: 781-247-4266 email: susan@sabernlaw.com
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Publications The Mass. Wind Recovery Siting Reform Act of 2009 The recently introduced Wind Energy Siting Reform Act of 2009 in the Massachusetts Legislature is aimed at providing incentives for the development of on-land wind power and other energy efficient sources. The bill is designed to encourage the development of clean, renewable, electric generating plants and ancillary facilities powered by wind; ensure siting occurs in appropriate locations based on clear, predictable, environmentally protective standards; streamline the permitting process; and reduce delays associated with appeals of such permits. The expedited permitting process currently available to larger facilities, 100 or more megawatts (MW), is proposed in the bill to enable smaller facilities, including wind-power land-based facilities that generate 2 or more MW, to access a faster streamlined permit-process as well. The legislation uses some of the concepts found in other development and permitting laws, such as G.L. c. 40B (comprehensive permits), and 43D (permit streamlining), by providing options for faster approval. No doubt much debate will ensue before the legislation becomes law. Susan Bernstein, attorney at law, Needham, Mass. Read PDF Go to Publication Source Page	Highlights C. 21E and CERCLA Hazardous Waste Environmental Due Diligence Waterfront Permitting Wetlands and c. 91 Zoning and Planning Boards Condominium Formation DEP Negotiations Board of Health Land Use
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