Enhances statewide consistency re: process and standards

Ensures adequate technical and financial resources

Consolidates state decision making authority

Relieves burden on BEP and LURC

Includes consideration of both energy and environmental issues in siting decisions

Leads to clearer and more predictable decision making process

Reduces time for decision making

Improves public confidence in integrity of decision making process

Improves efficiency of hearing process

Makes use of existing state agency expertise

True-up Existing Framework

Wind Energy Siting Review Board;

certification review

Wind Energy Siting Authority;

factfinder

Provides for energy and environmental expertise in decision making entity

Provides for flexibility in applying standards to address wind specific concerns

May be implemented without significant delay

Rectifies issues regarding LURC zoning makers

Facilitates thorough review of energy issues

Facilitates thorough review of environmental and natural resources issues

True-up Existing Framework

Wind Energy Siting Review Board;

certification review

Wind Energy Siting Authority;

factfinder