May 6, 2017
Letters, Maine

Editorial dismissive of concerns about Monhegan wind project

Another View: Editorial dismissive of concerns about Monhegan wind project | Portland Press Herald | May 6, 2017 | www.pressherald.com

Your recent editorial “Our View: State should not block ocean wind project” (April 30) was condescending to and dismissive of supporters of a bill that would move massive wind turbines from the shores of Monhegan Island to a more suitable location.

Those on Monhegan who favor this legislation – half of the island’s registered voters – and others, like the more than 125 Friends of Muscongus Bay, are concerned about much more than just scenic views.

We are concerned about preserving the history and natural beauty of this iconic place, which was settled two centuries before Maine became a state.

We are concerned about the environment, especially the migrating birds that people come from all the world to see. We are concerned about our lobster fishermen who work up and down Muscongus Bay and the potential adverse impacts on some of Maine’s most productive working waterfronts.

We are concerned about the sustainability of the Monhegan community, which is increasingly dependent on tourism and the unique experience that Monhegan offers.

The bait-and-switch scheme that Maine Aqua Ventus, under the cover of the University of Maine, has pulled on the people of Monhegan is a disgrace. What started out as one 85-foot turbine for two five-month trials, has morphed into two giant 600-foot towers the people of Monhegan, and all those who live and work on Muscongus Bay, will have to endure for the next 20 years.

If Maine truly wishes to be a leader in offshore wind, it needs to lead in not only what gets done, but how and where it gets done. It also needs to show a lot more concern for the people most impacted by these projects.

Monhegan Island is simply not the place for this ever-changing project and a pair of gigantic industrial wind turbines.

Andrew Fenniman is a resident of Chamberlain and a member of Friends of Muscongus Bay.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/05/06/editorial-dismissive-of-concerns-about-monhegan-wind-project/