State committee gives final approval to Antrim Wind

On Friday the state Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) gave final approval for Antrim Wind Energy LLC to build nine wind turbines along Tuttle Hill and the Willard Mountain ridge line.

The SEC vote denied three different groups’ requests to reconsider approval for the project.  Those groups included some area residents, the WindAction Group, and the Stoddard Conservation Commission.

Those opponents may try to appeal the SEC decision to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Antrim Wind will start construction later this year.

Supporters of the project argue that wind energy is a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and are subject to price volatility.

Antrim Wind has also committed to conserving over 900 acres of forestland in Antrim.

Opponents of the project note that the wind turbines will still disrupt roughly 13,000 acres of uninterrupted forest.  Neighboring towns such as Stoddard will suffer the negative impacts on the environment without getting the tax revenue promised to Antrim.

Wind power opponents also argue that wind turbines are not cost effective and cause noise pollution.

To learn more about the pros and cons of wind power, visit our issue page. 

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