What is the answer to the energy problems of the next few decades? Conservation will help, but many who feel this is the answer will be in for a rude awakening if we have another oil embargo, or more oil tanker accidents. People who think we can meet energy needs by cutting out “non-essential” uses have good intentions, but remind me of ostriches. We can make reductions in some areas, and many of us already have; we’ve been forced to because of the cost escalation.

The need for energy still exists. Our homes need heat and electricity. Nursing homes, hospitals, schools, stores, office buildings, universities, mills and shops need heat and electricity. Canneries, blueberry plants, wreath-making plants, farms and factories all need electricity. Which of these do the people with good intentions propose we shut down first? How many alternatives to our energy needs will be blindly rejected before we find ourselves in the middle of another energy crisis?

A.E.S. Harriman Cove has proposed a co-generation power station in Bucksport, which will not only supplement Champion Paper, but also offer an answer to some of our energy needs. We have learned two important things during the Bucksport Planning Board meetings regarding this proposed plant: 1) There are ways to generate electricity safely and cleanly, and 2) there are individuals who refuse to consider any form of electricity production. Peter Pike Levant