The Martha’s Vineyard Commission has released the final Wind Energy Plan for Dukes County, adopted by vote on October 16, 2012. To download a pdf copy, click on the plan document in the list on the left.

The Wind Energy Plan analyzes various aspects of wind energy development on land and off shore, in both Commonwealth waters within Dukes County and in adjacent federal waters. The plan includes policies for where and at what scale wind turbines may be allowed, where they should be subject to special review, and what standards should apply.

The plan aims to allow for reasonable wind energy development while minimizing potentially detrimental impacts on natural resources and human uses. The plan looks at a wide variety of topics, including birds and bats, scenic resources and visual impacts, tribal and other cultural resources, open space and habitat, marine mammals, fishing, navigation and boating, safety, noise and vibration, shadow flicker, electromagnetic interference, construction, operation and maintenance, decommissioning, impacts on business and employment, property values and municipal taxes, and community benefits.

The plan was prepared by the MVC staff based on analysis and recommendations reflecting the efforts of the Wind Energy Plan for Dukes County Work Group, made up of representatives of all seven towns in Dukes County and from Island conservation and energy non-profit organizations.

The Wind Energy Plan will be used in conjunction with the Island Wind District of Critical Planning Concern with review of wind proposals as Developments of Regional Impact. It can also be used by town boards in their review of applications.

• Martha’s Vineyard and Gosnold have some of best wind resources in the eastern part of the United States. This strong Atlantic coastal wind stream provides strong promise for wind-generated electricity which can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and stabilize our energy costs, now among the highest in the country.
• Martha's Vineyard and Gosnold are among the most environmentally significant places in the eastern part of the United States, with exceptional natural resources and remarkable scenic values that are at the core of the Island’s economy and quality of life.

• Appropriate Scale for Offshore Wind: The MVC is responsible for determining what kind of wind energy development is appropriate in those offshore areas under its jurisdiction, in relation to the Commonwealth’s Oceans Act and Ocean Management Plan.
• DCPC Regulations: Model regulations have been prepared for possible adoption by the towns under the District of Critical Planning Concern now in effect in most of the land and waters of Dukes County.
• DRI Thresholds and Policy: The Wind Energy Plan identifies the threshold for referral of projects to the MVC for review as Developments of Regional Impact, and includes a policy for review of these DRIs.

In addition, the analysis carried out in this planning process should help the community comment on possible offshore projects in federal waters and should help towns in drafting or revising local regulations and standards. 

Massachusetts Department of Energy – creating a greener energy future for the Commonwealth

American Wind Energy Association  -  a national trade association promoting wind energy

Windustry - non-profit that promotes the development of community-owned wind energy

Wind Watch - concerned about the adverse impacts of industrial-scale wind energy on communities

 

 
Home • Planning Process • Get Involved • Calendar • Discussions
© Copyright 2006-2007 by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission