Maine will have six wind farms online in the near future, pumping clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses.
While detractors complain of wind turbines obstructing their views or making too much noise, we see these developments as positive for the state due to the enormous environmental benefits as well as the economic benefits.
Total wind project investments in Maine are approaching $1 billion ”“ with Kibby Mountain in Franklin County, Mars Hill in Aroostook County, Stetson Mountain in Washington County and Rollins wind farm in Penobscot County in operation and two more in the works. Construction of these sites has created or supported more than 600 jobs, according to a study by the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.
In addition, now that four sites are up and running, people are employed to keep the turbines in good working order. The University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center is working on the technology and the engineering to train a new generation how to work in this emerging industry.
Maine is poised to lead the way in wind power ”“ and offshore wind power ”“ if business owners, politicians and the public will get behind it.
Increasing use of renewable resources will make this state stronger and offer good jobs for Maine’s youth, who often leave after graduating college in search of well-paying jobs in their field. This industry could create many jobs while making Maine energy independent.
It could also be the push the rest of the country needs to continue investing in wind and solar power as well as other renewable resources, which would lessen the chances for devastating oil spills and related problems that come from drilling for oil.
The BP oil spill in 2010 wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast and killed many animals and plant life, which had a widespread effects on the region’s economy. Fishermen could not work because their catch would be contaminated, tourism plummeted because of travelers’ concerns of oil on beaches and in the water ”“ and the effects rippled out through many industries.
Maine has not experienced a disaster of that proportion, but as oil is used up ”“ and if other sources do not replace it ”“ drilling will expand to new areas and put more places at risk. Like the Gulf region, Maine’s coast is also its livelihood. An oil spill here would have catastrophic effects on the tourism and the economy.
Using more wind power and developing offshore wind farms is a win-win for Maine. The construction and ongoing maintenance needs could provide thousands of jobs for Mainers while increasing the use of clean energy in state. Cutting back on oil usage will also benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
We encourage Maine businesses and leaders to invest in and support this new market to ensure the future of the state’s environmental health and to grow a robust industry that will power the state into the future.
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