Editor,
There is currently a controversy in Taftsville regarding the installation of a commercial solar farm by an out-of-state developer on a scenic Rte 4 byway and Historic District. It is a village historic neighborhood.
This will be happening in all of our towns across the state.

I moved to Vermont 20 years ago and love the beauty of this state. I believe in solar, I believe in growth, however I do not support the signing of laws which gives “out-of-state” commercial developers an easy way into our state. This is what is happening! Solar is a huge issue, however, it is bringing about a complete change of our beautiful landscape. Is this what we want? I am greatly saddened every time I drive down I-91 and see huge black panels popping up instead of lush green pastures and hills.

Just picture our landscape in another 15 to 20 years if we keep letting this happen here in Vermont. So what is the answer?

What do we do? We ask our legislators to allow each municipality to weigh in on the development of solar. Currently only the Public Service Board can approve installations. Everyone loves being green but the price to pay for it is losing our beautiful landscape. Think about it!

Commercial solar development makes money for the developers, not for us, it is very minimal and not worth the price of losing our landscape. This message needs to get out to all Vermonters. Solar arrays may save the planet but it’s destroying landscapes. What a shame!

Gail Childs
Woodstock