The Alliance for Sears Island supports Maine’s pursuit of offshore wind as part of a multi-faceted but determined response to climate change. Building an OSW manufacturing facility in Penobscot Bay, however, should be governed by these principles:
1. Pursue the least environmentally damaging plan,
2. Favor repurposing outdated and unused industrial energy sites,
3. Avoid damaging undeveloped and ecologically significant locations, and
4. Limit or eliminate impacts on wildlife and fisheries.
But let’s go off-topic just a little. On September 10, the Governor announced a new Public Utilities Commission (PUC) request for renewable energy projects that will move Maine closer to meeting ambitious goals for 80% renewable electricity use by 2030 and 100% by 2040. See https://www.maine.gov/energy/press-release/geo-statement-puc-rfp-renewable-energy-projects-2024.
Of course, urgent climate change response also requires dramatic reductions in carbon emissions and increases in carbon sequestration. So, this renewable energy production initiative is an important part of a complex public crisis.
We understand that the Alliance for Sears Island’s message about maintaining the undeveloped nature of Sears Island, while maximizing the use of already industrialized Mack Point, falls squarely within and, we might argue, at the forefront of climate change response.
Although focused on the immediate issues associated with locating a floating offshore wind site where turbines can be built, assembled and then launched, I’m confident that, if asked, the Alliance would agree that any and all renewable energy production, such as solar and wind, should not convert viable farmland (as well as forest lands, wetlands and other intact ecosystems) but should instead utilize non-green space such as large commercial roof-tops, contaminated soils, and under-utilized and unproductive landscapes.
Here’s to a green future, where new development always identifies and then pursues truly sustainable, least environmentally damaging options, recycles damaged land for productive renewable energy, and improves fisheries and wildlife habitat that provides health benefits to all.
Steve Miller
Alliance for Sears Island 