I heard from a friend today who owns land on the Old Center Road in St. Johnsbury. she has an offer from a solar tech company to purchase the land to put up a solar array, but the select board hasn't made a decision yet. One neighbor has apparently protested the project - on what grounds, I have no idea. However, I'm sure some of you are in or near St. Johnsbury and may have opinions on this - and even if you don't live there, like me, you may be concerned about the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity - and solar energy seems to be an excellent method of reducing at least some of that with "green energy."

The company purchasing the property is Norwich Technologies, that would build the solar array. The parcel of land is adjacent to the interstate, but there is vegetation that will render the installation unobtrusive. An installation of this kind is consistent with the Mixed Use designation of that particular district.

Using this property for this purpose will cause no loss of property taxes paid to the town, but once the array is complete, there will be additional property taxes for the town with no additional demand on the town’s municipal or educational services. In addition, a portion of the tax will go to the State Education Fund.

A solar display such as this contributes to slowing climate change and reduces the use of fossil-fuel generated electricity, provides engineering, construction and professional jobs, and produces clean energy that can be used locally, helping to reduce the amount of energy imported from out-of-state sources. The renewable energy credits (REC) will be retired to Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP).

If you feel this is a worthy project, please write a letter to the Select Board in St. Johnsbury, and spread the word to others who may be interested. A letter will probably have the most impact if you live or work in St. Johnsbury, but solar energy helps to reduce the carbon imprint that contributes to climate change, so everyone is concerned to some degree.

Here is a sample letter you can copy and send, or modify to make it your own:

 St. Johnsbury Select Board:

                RE: Solar Energy Display on Old Center Road

I write in support of the solar panel proposal on Old Center Road in St. Johnsbury. This project will add to the town’s tax base without any additional impact on town services. It supports Vermont’s clean energy economy by providing engineering, construction and professional jobs. It will contribute to providing, clean, local energy and lessen the need for importing expensive energy from out-of-state. Please approve this solar project.

 Sincerely,

 

You should direct your letter to the Town of St. Johnsbury, Pomerleau Building, 51 Depot Square, Suite 3, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.