Can alternative energy and beauty co-exist? This is the latest question facing our island.
Martha’s Vineyard has a history of innovation and pioneering thought and action when it comes to being green, but the thought of tall wind turbines marring our scenic views has brought up an issue that is highly charged.
Last fall, Gov. Deval Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, a comprehensive energy reform bill that shows Massachusetts’ actions as a national leader for renewable energy. The law states that Massachusetts will make energy efficiency programs available where traditional energy suppliers are the current norm and will force utility companies to offer rebates and incentives for customers to upgrade lighting, air conditioning and industrial equipment.
The Vineyard is positioned perfectly to harness wind as energy, so when thoughts turn to alternatives, this is where our island heads, But the island’s visual beauty is critical to our existence in terms of tourism, real estate and generally being a wonderful place to live - hence the division.
Currently, on the Vineyard, we are taking steps town by town in terms of wind energy use. But there is one common thread: however this plays out, it has to be done right.
Questions intriguing both sides of this issue include: number and size of turbines, energy efficiency of current and future homes and town stipulations.
As far as real estate goes, pros and cons follow the same flow: green is attractive, but only if it doesn’t affect the view to the water. Energy efficiency cuts costs, but it has to look really, really good. And on and on. This is a smart island, we’ll find the answer…and I know some phenomenal green builders….(if you’re looking…)
