10/07/2007
from the Kennebec Journal
FAIRPOINT PLAN TARGETS DEBT
Wind project off Mass. meets strong resistance
Three bills seek tougher rules for petitioners
New rules for special education debated
Happy apples
AUGUSTA: Cuts to French curriculum run into opposition
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL: Hall-Dale drops MVC title game to Mountain Valley
HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY NOTEBOOK: Different stakes in Gardiner-Winslow rivalry
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
'At the time ... he was psychotic'
Man answers door, is attacked with Mace and then robbed
FairPoint reorganization plan aims to slash company's debt
Concerns over special-education changes aired
FAIRFIELD: Clinton man, 21, arrested on rape, assault charges
Stun gun, arrest of suspect end high-speed, 2-town chase
HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY NOTEBOOK: Gardiner, Winslow take to ice again
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Skowhegan wins KVAC A title game
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Developers, state agencies and even ecological groups such as the Natural Resources Council of Maine familiar with long-range development of wind power know this, but do not reveal this fact publicly for fear of riling people up.
The Public Utilities Commission said in its 2005 report on wind power that it estimates the initial phase of wind power development in Maine can be up to 1,000 megawatts. Because each of these huge turbines generates about one megawatt, it would mean 1,000 or more turbines built.
Imagine that number of turbines, strung along our mountains from the Maine-New Hampshire border, along the spine of the mountains to the Kennebec River and beyond. Roads up steep slopes will have to be built to each grouping of turbines. New power lines will be strung down valleys to reach grid connections. Blinking lights at night will be visible for a hundred miles or more. This scenario is too horrible for most Mainers to believe, or even visualize. Yet it is being proposed.
All we need to do for this to happen is to say nothing, or not to care.
Steve Clark
Shapleigh
Reader comments
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Maine is already a net EXPORTER of electric power. WE do not need these wind farms to supply our power requirements.
In fact, the power generated will be sold to other states or into Canada.
WE will not see any reduction in OUR electric rates. WE do not need the power. NO significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will occur (hasn't anywhere else in the world, won't here either).
The ONLY reason to build these things is because there is a significant financial incentive for the builders from the government....financed by OUR tax dollars.
It all sounds so green and friendly....until you look at the reality of wind. Useful on a small scale...completely impractical on a large scale without huge financial incentives from government.
It doesn't make good sense except as a "feel good" concept and it is in conflict with another "feel good" concept...that of saving the natural scenery we have left.report abuse
Prove me wrong ..if you can .Facts only pleasereport abuse
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