Vermont Public Utility Commission Certifies 20MW Shaftsbury Solar Project Despite Local Opposition

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved the 20 MW Shaftsbury Solar Project despite opposition from local residents concerned about its size, environmental impact, and aesthetics. The project, covering 80 acres with significant tree clearing, was justified by the commission as aligned with Vermont's broader energy policy goals and climate mandates, even as a commissioner expressed concerns about its location and environmental disruption. In Maine, regulators approved multiple renewable projects, including solar and hydroelectric, prioritizing the reuse of contaminated lands amid uncertainty caused by changes in federal clean energy incentives under President Trump. Meanwhile, Vermont lawmakers are pushing to expand solar access through plug-in solar legislation modeled after Utah's bipartisan success, aiming to empower residents, including renters, with affordable clean energy options. Advocates argue that plug-in solar, which allows simple installation by plugging into standard outlets, could accelerate Vermont's clean energy transition by overcoming traditional barriers to solar adoption. This legislative effort is supported by environmental groups and aims to modernize regulations to reflect new technologies and reduce emissions cost-effectively.