August 03, 2006
Right idea, wrong place
There was big talking going on last night at Sugarloaf about the proposed wind turbine project to be located just a few miles to the west on the crest of the Redington Mountains.
The folks at LURC, who will ultimately give the thumbs up or down to the project, apparently got quite an earful from both sides.
The issue has caused many of us who care deeply about Maine's environment while recognizing our need for cleaner domestic energy to do some heavy thinking and soul searching.
At what price do we give the nod to wind towers on mountaintops in sight of the Appalachian Trail?
At what point do we seriously say "enough" to OPEC and steer a new path toward renewable energy sources?
At the very least, the matter is forcing us to confront reality. Our choices are here. Now. Amid global energy instability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Scott Cowger is right. This will be a "watershed event" for us in Maine.
But I don't believe for a moment that its all or nothing. If it doesn't happen at Redington it's not the end for wind power in Maine.
Will there be wind power in Maine? Maybe. But where?Your backyard? Mine? Who's?
I no longer support this project.
But I do support wind power development in other areas of Maine. Along the coast. In blueberry barrens. On farms. In more developed areas.
There are other options besides our western mountains, where wind turbines would cause enormous and unacceptable visual pollution.
But then, there's going to be visual effects regardless of the location. And that will have to be debated.
Hopefully, we can and will agree on acceptable sites and make the bold move of developing wind energy here in Maine. Sooner rather than later.
But unfortunately, Redington isn't the place.
What are your thoughts?
whoaaaaaa....big change of mind.
Wish I could get up to these meetings easier, quicker, I would like to hear confirmation that the power generated by these is not to stay in the state of Maine as I understand it, because we have an electrical surplus here. I would be happy to have these anywhere there is current development, I realize wind is extraordinary in this section, but this is the wrong mountainside for it.
Bluebearee GA==>ME 02
Posted by BB
August 3, 2006 10:46 AM
I attended the meeting last night and was proud to see so many Mainers oppose this project. My thoughts... here is a copy of a letter I mailed to LURC two weeks ago. I plan on sending another one this week in response to things I heard last night.
I am writing this letter in response to the proposal to begin the rezoning of rare mountain areas in order to facilitate wind industry in western Maine near Sugarloaf and along the Quebec/Maine border. I wanted to take the time to voice my strong opposition to these projects for several reasons.
Why does a state that already generates more electricity than it uses need to use wind industry to generate more? This will not benefit the state of Maine. It only appears to benefit those who wish to exploit one of the last great, undeveloped sections of the east coast. If the Land Use Regulation Commission rezones these areas for industrial development, the door will be open and every peak not currently protected in the north woods will be at risk. Many people will chime in with the opinion that the area is not pristine because there are already logging roads and clearcuts throughout the region. My reply to these people is that clearcuts and logging roads vanish. Wind industry on top of a high ridgeline is forever and will change the character of the region. Baxter State Park is a perfect example of my point. An area that was logged extensively in the past is now likely the most beautiful place east of the Mississippi River. It is hard to imagine 40 wind turbines on top of Katahdin. Thanks to the foresight of one individual, the people of Maine are not forced to witness that sight.
If the towers are built it is not as if an equivalent amount of conventional electricity production will cease. West Virginia mining will proceed as scheduled, coal will be burned in Cincinnati, and a wild place in Maine will be destroyed. Wind industry should be pursued but a high ridgeline in western Maine is not the place to start. Only if there is a turbine on top of every building, bridge, and factory and we have exhausted all possible locations suitable for wind industry should we look to areas that are wild and undeveloped. In other words, let’s put the towers closer to the people. These industrial turbines do not fit the character of western Maine and should not be allowed.
I feel I speak for many Mainers who are concerned about this proposal. In my opinion, the loss of high, scenic ridgelines far outweigh the miniscule amount of energy these turbines will generate. Global warming is a global issue, and aside from feeling good about ourselves, 40 towers in western Maine will not make a difference. They will, however, destroy the natural essence that makes Maine special.
Posted by
kevAugust 3, 2006 10:55 AM
AS USUAL THIS WIND PROJECT IS NOT TO BENEFIT THE STATE OF MAINE.
DIG DEP ENOUGH AND YOU WILL FIND SOME POLITICIAN PUSHING TO MAKE MONEY FOR HIMSELF AND SOME OUT OF STATE INDIVIDUALS.
REAL BAD IDEA.
Posted by
Richie CarrAugust 4, 2006 06:16 AM
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