Natural Resources Law Commons^™

Master's Project: Impacts To Natural Resources And The Natural Environment From Large-Scale Solar Facilities In Vermont: An Analysis Of Public Utilities Commission Documents, Peter T. Malicky

Rubenstein School Masters Project Publications

Renewable energy deployment and conserving biodiversity are both related to mitigating and preventing the worst effects of climate change. These issues require careful consideration of land use and the consequences associated with land use choices. Large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic solar energy is a promising clean energy technology, as it can be flexibly deployed, produces low lifecycle carbon emissions compared to other energy sources, and is cost competitive. However, questions remain about how large-scale solar will affect ecological functionality of the Vermont landscape. This report evaluates how the Vermont Public Utility Commission, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and other parties to …