Assignment 15-1

Laura Levesque

CMJ 236- Final

With the increasing environmental and economic harm caused by America’s use of fossil fuel (oil, coal, gas), it is more urgent than ever that we break this addiction to fuel and move towards a more eco-conscious and health supplement. Wind power. Wind is one of the safest sources of power for our environment and people. It is renewable, produces no emissions, and according the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, it is good for our economy, since wind energy creates much-needed manufacturing and technical jobs. And unlike coal, oil or gas, wind power is a local Maine product.

The visual impact should also be considered when talking about adding wind power into our state. There are a number of places in Maine that would not be appropriate for wind turbines— Mt. Katahdin, Cadillac Mountain, Mt. Spencer, and Tumbledown are obvious examples.

On May 5, 2010, Governor Baldacci signed legislation that will help cut air pollution by reducing the sulfur level allowed in heating oil and related oil products used by industry. Improving air quality continues to be a top concern in Maine. The legislation was a priority for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and the Environmental Priorities Coalition, and will improve public health, reduce haze pollution, and save Mainers money.

Currently, coal, oil, and nuclear power provide 60 percent of New England’s energy. NRCM (Natural Resources Council of Maine) worked hard for a statewide commitment to boost Maine’s use of wind power for electricity production to 2000 Megawatts by 2015 and 3000 Megawatts by 2020

A recent poll conducted by Portland-based Critical Insights shows that 90% of Maine people support the development of wind power as a source of electricity. Nearly nine in ten Mainers agree that wind power can improve energy security and reduce Maine’s dependence on fossil fuels, and eight in ten agree that wind power will produce jobs and other forms of economic benefits.

“The level of support for wind power is huge,” said NRCM Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim. “Maine people want clean power and clean energy jobs, and they see a big opportunity through wind power to improve energy security and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

The poll also reveals that 77% of Maine people want Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support federal climate and clean energy legislation. Only 13% believe that Maine’s two senators should vote against the legislation, and 10% remain undecided.

References:

http://www.nrcm.org/kibby_mtn_slideshow.asp

http://nrcm.typepad.com/nrcminsider/2009/10/see-the-kibby-wind-power-project.html

http://www.mainewind.org/

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/astate_template.asp?stateab=me

http://www.timesrecord.com/articles/2010/05/06/opinion/commentaries/doc4be2e3e6c0f57698301211.txt

http://www.journaltribune.com/articles/2010/05/06/editorial/doc4be2d330ebc7e893161140.txt

http://www.tmcnet.com/viewette.aspx?u=http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/05/03/4765638.htm&kw=0