Investment in Maine
Bangor Daily News | bangordailynews.com 25 June 2012
Jackson Parker has a huge stake in wind energy development ( “Clean energy investments support Maine jobs,” June 16 BDN OpEd). His perspective is narrow. His company has reaped millions in profits from the construction of an energy source which is high in cost, high in effects and very low in overall value. Wind is unreliable, intermittent, unable to be stored and unable to “stand alone.”
Mr. Parker mentions the “$1 billion of investment in Maine,” yet fails to qualify that statement. That $1 billion may have been “spent,” but the lion’s share has gone overseas. More importantly, the majority of that $1 billion came from hardworking Americans in the form of federal, state and local subsidies.
The Production Tax Credit, or PTC, Mr. Parker exhorts our senators to support is one such (very large) subsidy. Parker stated the PTC “helps level the energy playing field and provides the certainty that clean energy industries need for continued growth.” And yet Exelon, one of America’s largest wind operators, came out against an extension of the PTC.
“There comes a time when we need free-market price signals.” Free market. Fair and level competition. Pitting value and cost… against value and cost.
Wind isn’t a “developing” energy source and shouldn’t be propped up by American taxpayers. If the wind industry can’t compete – can’t stand on its own and provide a product of value without picking our empty pockets – then it shouldn’t be granted this lucrative subsidy. Maines senator’s should continue to support an energy plan based on science, economics and common sense. The PTC should be allowed to expire.
Karen Pease
Lexington Township
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/25/investment-in-maine/