Wind Power in New England

The document outlines the advantages of wind energy for New England, focusing on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, stabilizing energy costs, and generating local economic growth through taxes, lease payments, and jobs. It highlights specific projects in Massachusetts and Vermont to demonstrate positive community impact and environmental gains.

• New England's electricity supply is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, with over 60 percent generated from natural gas, coal, and oil, and another 25 percent from nuclear fuel. This reliance increases the risk of fuel shortages, particularly natural gas during winter cold spells, leading to an increased dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
• Wind power can stabilize energy costs because the primary expenses are initial purchase and installation, while the fuel is free and operating costs are low. This allows municipal owners to stabilize bills for residents and private developers to offer long-term fixed-price contracts.
• Wind projects provide diverse economic benefits to host communities, including property and income tax revenues, lease payments to landowners (ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per megawatt), and job creation. Construction generates 40 to 160 jobs per 100 MW, while operations and maintenance create 10 to 25 permanent jobs per 100 MW.
• Case studies of New England projects demonstrate specific local gains: the Hull Wind One project in Massachusetts produced annual savings of $128,850, while the proposed 30 MW Hoosac wind project in Florida and Monroe, MA, is expected to generate $200,000 in annual revenues for the towns and $80,000 to $100,000 in annual production royalties.
• Wind energy improves public health and the environment by producing electricity without air or water pollution and reducing the need for fossil fuel combustion, which emits sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2007). Wind Power in New England. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/wpne-local.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Wind Power in New England. 2007. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/wpne-local.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Wind Power in New England |date=March 2007 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/wpne-local.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2007wind, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Wind Power in New England}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2007}, month = mar, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/wpne-local.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }