Williamstown, Williams Can Challenge Biomass Plant

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Vermont Public Service Board has granted status to the town of Williamstown, Williams College and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission in its hearings on a 29.5-megawatt biomass plant being proposed just over the border.

The order, received by iBerkshires late last night from the Bennington-Berkshire Citizens Coalition, grants the town and Williams College intervenor status and the BRPC full party status to challenge the construction of energy facility at the former Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal.

Beaver Wood Energy LLC, which is proposing the wood-burning wood-burning and pellet-manufacturing plant, had objected to the three Massachusetts entities, arguing that "the Board's Section 248 jurisdiction over a proposed in-state generation facility's impacts ends at the Vermont border." 

The board, however, responded that "Construction and operation of the proposed project have the potential to generate impacts outside of Vermont, and the Board has jurisdiction to impose conditions that would mitigate those impacts. Given the close proximity of the proposed project to Massachusetts, there is a possibility that residents of Massachusetts will face greater impacts from the proposed project than will Vermont residents."


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The decision is a second blow to the company, which was denied permitting for early construction last month that would have put it in line for up to $50 million in federal stimulus funds.


"This is a hugely important step in our effort to keep the beautiful Hoosic River valley and its environs, which the citizens of Pownal and Williamstown share, free from pollution and environmental degradation," wrote Steve Dew, a member of the Bennington-Berkshire Citizens Coalition.

The order comes just days after the Pownal Select Board, by a 3-2 vote, decided to send a letter to the Public Service Board urging it to deny the Massachusetts entities a role in the permitting process.

The board also granted status to Vermont's Agencies of Agriculture, Food and Markets and of Transportation; Southern Vermont Citizens for Environmental Conservation & Sustainable Energy Inc.; Richard and Leslie Morgenthal, James Winchester, and Joseph Tornabene ("Neighbors") and abuttor Pamela Lyttle. Williams College was also granted pro hac vice admission of attorney Daryl J. Lapp of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, to appear in this proceeding on behalf of the college. 

In light of the number of entities seeking status, the order by Hearing Officer Edward McNamara suggests "parties with similar interests to work together in the preparation of testimony and discovery, as well as the examination of witnesses."

Groups on both sides of the border established the Bennington-Berkshire Citizens Coalition, which has been sharply questioning the need and efficiency of the plant, its possible environmental effects and the background of Beaver Wood's principals.

Vermont Public Service Board Intervention Order
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Supporting Democracy Leadership Award Winners Named

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown League of Women Voters named the Supporting Democracy Leadership Award winners to student essayists ages 16-21.
 
The three first place essay winners were Ella Bissaillon from Hoosac Valley High School, Lilliana Penna-Ward from Wahconah Regional High School and Tyler Nourse from Mt Everett Regional High School.
 
Each student was the recipient of $500.00 and were able to shadow an elected official.
 
State Senator Paul Mark welcomed the students to his District Office in Pittsfield. Winners shadowed the senator during the day. Students were able to observe meeting sessions with constituents from the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Special Needs. 
 
Senator Mark also brought the winners along to the State House where they had a behind the scenes tour that included a view of Boston from the front of the building balcony. They also were told historic stories. Later they attended a meeting with the Senate Chair of Labor and Workforce Development that took place in Ludlow. 
 
Essays were 300 words and students must be pre-registered or registered to vote. 
 
Ella Bissaillon, 16, wrote: "Until I am eligible to vote I will do my part by volunteering at polling places within my community.  By staying informed, speaking out and advocating for those who need it, I hope to help create a society that values justice and equality."
 
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