Opportunity exists on Maine’s continental shelf. Ocean currents spinning a state-of-the-art turbine will generate inexpensive, pollution-free, inexhaustible energy in a manner that does not harm ocean ecosystems, disturb the natural beauty of Maine’s coast, affect the fishing industry or hamper our ability to defend this country.

Maine Maritime Academy and Cianbro have scientists and engineers who will work with environmentalists to study, improve and test these turbines in the waters off Castine while increasing our knowledge of this unique marine environment.

I challenge the leadership in Augusta to support programs at MMA that will study the continental shelf of Maine, the movement of sediment and marine life and determine how close to shore whales actually come.

We must not be shortsighted or selfish. Based on the condition of the infrastructure in Castine, MMA is at full capacity. The town has water, sewer and parking problems and horrible roads. The state must help Castine slowly rebuild with the understanding that perhaps, in just a few years, Maine residents will be manufacturing, transporting, installing and servicing these turbines using knowledge gained in Castine.

This process will be a win for academia, a win for taxpayers in Maine who need to work, and a win in the fight to gain energy independence through renewable resources.

Jonathan W. Walden

Surry