A PLACE FOR WIND

A proposal to put 38 wind turbines on Stetson Mountain in Washington County has been relatively uncontroversial – Maine Audubon, an opponent of wind projects in other parts of the state, withdrew its objections last month and now supports the project. Still, members of the Land Use Regulation Commission last week heard strong objections from area residents.

Noise and loss of a scenic view are real concerns, but they must be balanced against the larger problem of the state and country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Demand for these fuels is expected to soon exceed supply. The burning of oil, natural gas and coal are also major contributors to climate change. With the seriousness of climate change and in the supply concerns, expanding alternatives such as wind power makes sense for Maine.

But, as with any power source, wind power demands trade-offs – in visual impact and in its effect on wildlife, among others. A task force on wind power development, which met for the first time last month, can help. The task force is charged with reviewing Maine’s rules and regulations and recommending changes to set clear standards and streamline the permitting process for some projects. Where needed, it’s also supposed to establish a lead agency to track wind power generation and stay current with technological changes in the industry.

In Washington County and other parts of Maine, communities over the years have said “no” to liquefied natural gas terminals, oil refineries and hydroelectric projects. One family’s solar panels in Scarborough have led to complaints from neighbors and a proposal for a coal gasification plant in Wiscasset likely faces stiff opposition. In each case, the objections are understandable, but without a steep decline in energy use, Maine and other states will have to accept some new energy infrastructure.

Wind has a home in Maine. The question is whether it will be welcome here or whether each wind project will be a battle. The Conservation Law Foundation calculates that New England needs about 8,000 megawatts of wind power to meet regional climate-change goals. The only existing Maine wind farm, on Mars Hill in Aroostook County, produces 54 megawatts and remains controversial. Maine has the greatest wind potential of any state in the region, but potential doesn’t turn on the lights.

The governor’s task force will be most helpful if it can produce a plan for siting wind turbines for the largest energy gains with the least environmental harm.