I’ve been wondering for some time how the Natural Resources Council of Maine could possibly justify its support of industrial wind power (staff doesn’t answer my letters).
Now I see from its presentation in Peru that it’s really quite simple: NRCM doesn’t want wind power in the places it values, so it encourages construction in places like Western Maine.
No doubt NRCM’s wind developer buddies thank the staff handsomely: indeed, I’ve read about some generous “gifts” to various conservation projects.
But it’s even more cold-blooded than that.
NRCM supports wind power construction even though industrial wind doesn’t replace a drop of oil or gas. The power it generates doesn’t benefit Maine; it’s sold down south, and the high-voltage power lines are creepy, dangerous and ugly.
The turbines kill thousands more birds and bats than the industry admits, and the sound reportedly makes people sick. And, the Expedited Wind Law forbids protection based on scenic values in most places.
Oh, and the people of Oakfield aren’t “working with First Wind to create a 120-MW facility,” as NRCM asserts. People in Oakfield are fighting as hard as they can to prevent it.
As NRCM Clean Energy Project Director Dylan Voorhees himself put it, “It’s a balancing act”: The places he loves versus the places we love.
Shame on you at the NRCM.
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