Wind project protesters ask for acquittal

NEWPORT — A lawyer for six protesters convicted of trespassing after they blocked a road leading to a Vermont wind power project has asked a judge to overturn the verdict.
A Newport jury returned the verdict earlier this month. The protesters were accused of lining the path to prevent workers and trucks from reaching the area where Green Mountain Power Corp. contractors are building the wind energy project on Lowell Mountain in Lowell.
The protesters said the wind turbines will mar a pristine mountain for no environmental benefit.
The Caledonian-Record reports defense lawyer Kristina Michelsen filed a motion saying the prosecutor intentionally disregarded the judge’s rulings during the trial. She also challenged the judge’s instructions to the jury and a lack of evidence about who has a deed to the property.