Wind Power News: Maine
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Renewable energy should come clean with its details
I do not like having the “wool pulled over my eyes.” I like straightforward deals which are out in the open for all to see. I am sure most of you out there feel the same way. The more I read about “renewable energy” scams in Maine, the more it irks me. Why can’t the wind industry just come clean and tell the average Joe what is going on behind the scenes? I think I know the answer to that . . .
A response to ‘A Tale of Two Towers’
While I agree that the Camden Hills Regional High School Windplanners deserve an “A” in civics for their perseverance in pursuing an alternative energy project for the school community, why does Philip Conkling’s Dec. 15 article: “A Tale of Two Towers” purport to be about the Windjammers success when its primary discussion is about Ragged Mountain and Vinalhaven? Why illustrate this article about the Windjammers’ success with a half-page color photo of Ragged Mountain, which is three miles away from . . .
Clifton farmers lose latest round in battle over wind farm
CLIFTON, Maine — Walk through Rebel Hill Farm and the nearly 60 acres of woods that surround it, and it’s easy to see the “enchanted forest” that Peter and Julie Beckford call their backyard. The couple, who grow and sell native perennial plants on their small farm, say the $25 million five-turbine wind farm planned on nearby Pisgah Mountain threatens their very livelihood. To fight the wind farm project, the Beckfords asked the town’s board of appeals to review the . . .
Algonquin bows out of deal to buy stake in First Wind
Canada’s Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp said it would not go ahead with its planned $83 million purchase of a minority stake in U.S.-based wind farm operator First Wind Holdings, citing regulatory delays in Maine. “The longer than anticipated regulatory process in Maine, together with the transactions we have announced since April 2011 have contributed to our decision not to proceed with the investment”, Algonquin CEO Ian Robertson said in a statement. However, Algonquin Power’s partner Emera Inc will not . . .
Frankfort’s wind ordinance deserves court challenge
The lawsuit challenging the town of Frankfort’s Wind Energy Ordinance was brought by three Maine residents who own land in Frankfort in the area of Mount Waldo. Working with a small New England wind energy developer, Eolian Renewable Energy, LLC, the plaintiffs determined that the land in question was suitable for a modestly sized (4-6 turbine) commercial wind energy facility. Contracts between the plaintiffs and Eolian to begin development of the facility were entered into. These contract plans have essentially . . .
Developer of Clifton wind farm signs agreement to supply Bangor Hydro with electricity
CLIFTON, Maine — With the push for renewable energy part of the national agenda and the Maine Public Utilities Commission directing local utilities to enter into long-term contracts with Community-based Renewable Energy projects, it’s no surprise that small industrial wind projects such as the one planned for Pisgah Mountain are popping up around the state. The PUC has directed Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. to enter into three 20-year contracts for renewable energy projects — one with Pisgah Mountain LLC, the others . . .
Passamaquoddy Tribe plans $120M wind farm in Washington County
COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township and Pleasant Point has partnered with a Midwest energy firm to launch a $120 million wind farm in Washington County. The developers estimate the project will create 50-100 jobs during the construction phase and 15-20 permanent positions once the farm is built, with more jobs anticipated from spinoff development in the future. The farm would be located in Unorganized Territory at a decommissioned U.S. Air Force radar site nearly ten . . .
LePage: Renewable energy initiative a ‘job killer’
PORTLAND — A renewable energy ballot initiative that supporters say can gradually lower electric rates while reducing Maine’s dependence on imported fuel is actually “the single, largest job killer” Maine has faced in years and will make rates rise, Gov. Paul LePage told a gathering of the state’s real estate industry today. If the measure gets on the ballot this November and wins voter approval, he said, it will force people and businesses to leave for places with lower energy . . .
Environmental groups outline opposition, support for upcoming initiatives
AUGUSTA — A coalition of environmental advocates on Thursday presented its list of priority bills that the Legislature is slated to address during the abbreviated session. Several of the proposals could be contentious, including a bill to reform the Land Use Regulation Commission, the state agency that oversees development in the unorganized territories. The group, dubbed the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, also highlighted its opposition to a controversial bill that would allow landowners to file legal claims seeking compensation from . . .
Voters to decide wind power ordinance in March
FARMINGTON – After a good amount of public hearing discussion Tuesday night, selectmen were split, 3-2, in favor of having voters at town meeting decide the wind energy performance standards draft proposed to be added to the town’s zoning ordinance. Concerns from the residents attending the hearing and two of the five selectmen of the ordinance draft included the exemption from permit regulation when wind generated-power is used to pump water or operate equipment, that the allowable sound pressure level . . .
