Windmill Controversy
On March 7, 2007, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed civil charges against Howland for alleged "unscrupulous" business practices in his venture as a wind turbine supplier.
In response, Howland defended his actions, stating that he had issued refunds in some instances. He also stated that he was not the installer, but merely the supplier, of the windmills. He cited lack of regulation and the inadequacy of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative as partially responsible for creating the current media attention and legal issues.
Coakley's office resolved their allegations in October 2007 through a consent judgement against Howland and his company. The agreement required that Windtech-Co pay several hundred thousand dollars in restitution. Furthermore, the settlement permanently prohibited Howland from "operating a business involved in the sale and installation of alternate energy systems."
Read more about this topic: Mark A. Howland
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