Wind Energy

This regional comprehensive plan inventories high wind potential areas, assesses the compatibility of wind energy systems with existing land uses, and sets policies to achieve regional energy goals.

The Climate and Energy element discusses the analysis, visioning, and planning methods. It highlights existing renewable energy facilities, regional perceptions of these facilities, and state wind energy statutes and guidance (pp.CE-39 – CE-42). It includes a table of Berkshire communities wind energy by-laws; all of which require discretionary use permits (p.CE-42). It outlines the wind suitability analysis methodology (p.CE-43) and includes a wind suitability map (p.CE-44). Further, it includes a table with “potential impacts and concerns” from wind energy, with discussion of the concern and mitigation methods (pp.CE-50 – CE-51).

It states wind energy development is suitable in the Rural Residential land use category (p.LU-14).