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Supporters say the turbines would produce green energy, create jobs during construction and provide income to the farmers. Opponents say wind power harms the environment, wouldn't be practical without huge government subsidies, and is an eyesore. The giant spinning blades in Derby Line would be visible for miles on both sides of the border. Hartley said she and her neighbors did some research on the Internet and found complaints about shadows and glints of light from the turbines, noise and vibration, and electromagnetic radiation. "It was amazing the different things that we heard and how horrible they were," she said. "It was things we'd never thought about." Farrell said scientific studies have found the health concerns unfounded, and he added that those aren't even the real reasons for the opposition: "I think what it comes down to is some people just don't want to look at them." Pat Parenteau, an environmental law professor at the Vermont Law School, said there is no law requiring a Vermont developer to follow Quebec rules, but that would be a good practice. It's a legal concept known as "comity." "If the Canadian requirement is reasonable, there's sort of a diplomatic principle of why not honor it. If the shoe was on the other foot, wouldn't we want Canada to respect our laws and requirements?" Parenteau said. "That's soft law. That ain't hard law. It's simple respect." Stanstead Mayor Philippe Dutil said he hasn't seen people in his community so worked up about something in Vermont since the early 1980s, when there was talk of building a nuclear waste dump in the state. "I am there to defend my citizens. If my citizens are worried, I am standing behind them all the way," Dutil said. Last month, he threatened to cut off a Vermont neighborhood served by a Stanstead water system. "I said that to catch everybody's attention. And it did," Dutil said. Last week, a member of Parliament who represents the Stanstead area called on the Canadian government to "ensure that my citizens are consulted in the development of this type of project." The project is awaiting approval from the Vermont Public Service Board. Farrell had hoped to finish the turbines in time to take advantage of a wind power tax credit that expires at the end of the year, but said he is willing to take extra time to work with the Canadians. Still, Farrell said moving the turbines farther from the Quebec homes would just put them closer to Vermont houses. "Every location has its challenges," he said.
[Associated
Press;
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