Last week, Vermont Director of Energy Services Tim Upton shared insights on the benefits of solar development at the Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) Conference, the largest comprehensive renewable energy gathering in the region. This annual event gathers business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy industry professionals working towards a 100 percent renewable energy future.
This year’s conference focused on the future of net metering in Vermont, energy affordability, and how federal legislation will affect the state’s clean energy goals.
Tim participated on the panel, “Solar in Vermont’s Rural Landscape,” which brought together leaders from the land conservation, business, and agricultural communities to explore how solar energy can benefit Vermont’s working landscape. The loss of forests and farmland is often cited as a leading reason for curtailing solar development in the state, despite solar’s relatively small footprint. In response, panelists shared insights on how solar development can assist farmers and the farming economy, particularly through solar grazing—the practice of grazing livestock on solar farms.
Drawing on his more than 25 years of experience with environmental policy and permitting, Tim spoke about helping renewable energy developers navigate the intricate permitting obligations for these projects.
“By reducing complex, conflicting regulatory requirements, we can make this work less onerous and more financially attainable for developers so that Vermont can better achieve its climate and environmental goals,” Tim said.
As a Megawatt Sponsor, VHB’s presence at the REV Conference reflects our nearly two decades-long commitment to building the state’s most significant renewable power generation and energy infrastructure projects. Our clients include Vermont’s distribution and transmission utilities, solar and wind developers, and hydroelectric facility operators. With our integrated team of professional practitioners, VHB is uniquely positioned to take on renewable energy transformation projects in Vermont and beyond.
Discover how VHB's Vermont Energy Team is supporting the state’s ambitious renewable energy efforts.
