Vermont Police Arrest 6 Blocking Wind Construction

Vermont police say six protesters have been arrested at the site of the Lowell mountain wind-power project.

The activists say at least 45 individuals on Monday prevented construction workers and equipment from reaching the construction area along the top of the mountain.

The protesters believe the project is destroying a pristine ridgeline and has little environmental benefit.

The owner of the Lowell Mountain wind project, Green Mountain Power, issued a statement that called the activists' actions "regrettable." GMP spokeswoman Dorothy Schnure says the presence of the protester on the construction site creates a safety hazard, adds costs to the project and strains finite law enforcement resources in the area, putting local towns and citizens at risk.

The utility says the 21-turbine project enjoys wide public support, including 75-percent of Lowell voters.

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