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Commissiones move to discourage renewables that impinge on local scenic resources
Summary
Members proposed adding language to the EEP to discourage renewable generation that would 'impinge on scenic resources' and to adjust map layers to ensure locally identified scenic areas (notably open fields visible from VT 140/VT 133) remain protected.
Commission members discussed solar siting and scenic resources during the EEP review. Speaker 2 proposed adding a sentence to limit installations that would impinge on scenic resources; the group preferred the softer term "discourage" to avoid an absolute ban while preserving protection for locally identified viewscapes.
Sean (speaker 7) explained mapping methodology and said he could change map symbology so locally identified scenic areas appear as higher-priority 'dark purple' constraints and can be downgraded to secondary where appropriate. Members also flagged rooftop and small-scale systems as preferred approaches in many areas and suggested removing language that could create a loophole permitting large ground-mounted installations on marginal soils.
