The future of economic stability in Maine is dangling precariously in the hands of those who don’t care. I have lived here my whole life and have seen industrial failure, decreasing levels of commercial motivation, and a rising educated class leaving the borders the day after graduation.

I am not cynical about Maine, nor do I wish to live anywhere else. I have taken complete advantage of my situation. I grew up in a small town and attended a private high school that was paid for by my local SAD. I participated in sports and community service and am currently a senior at Maine Maritime Academy in marine engineering. If there is one word that I have taken away from my four years of undergraduate education in engineering, it is “efficiency.”

This word has been preached to us since the first day and we hold it as gospel. As engineers and contributing members to society, it is our job to increase efficiency to reduce cost. Not only is this cost savings great for business, it’s great for life because efficiency usually decreases waste. Maine is securely positioned as the easternmost state in America. We have a great capacity for seaports, an abundant source of wind, and for those of you who might not be aware, incredibly strong tides and currents capable of producing vast amounts of power: clean, renewable power.

It is apparent that traditional fossil fuels are becoming like their ancestors – extinct. Does anyone realize that the Gulf of Maine has one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world? Many critics argue this would ruin the New England fishing industry, resulting in the loss of countless jobs.

Now, before you light the torches and raise the pitchforks, hear this:

Before the introduction of oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, the fishing industry was average, as fishing communities go. The fish were there, but to no great amount.

After an explosion in off-shore oil exploration, fishing took off in epic proportion. The sport-fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico is now one of the best in the country due to the sustained ecosystem that the rigs provide. They are, in essence, small floating reefs that are home to thousands of sea creatures. It would be arrogant of me to say that oil rigs in the Gulf of Maine would improve the fishing industry, but it would be vain of you to think it would hurt.

The days are numbered and the future is here. Not only should we take advantage of what we have, but we should allow young minds with deep pockets to explore the ideas of wind farms and tidal power in our foothills and bays.

Natural gas, wind, and water are the fuels of our future. We can’t stand idly by and say “Not in my backyard.” It’s a cliche to forecast the jobs these new ideas would create, but look at it this way: It’s not about what it’s going to bring into the state; rather who it’s going to keep from leaving. Me.

Richard Collenburg is a senior at Maine Maritime Academy.