I am greatly concerned about Central Maine Power’s proposal to build a high voltage transmission line through the heart of Maine. The 145-mile New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line is slated to run from the Quebec-Maine border, through Somerset, Franklin and Androscoggin counties to the city of Lewiston. The building of about 53 new miles of transmission corridor will require clearing of a large, currently undisturbed, swath of Maine’s North Woods.
My concern is about the impact of this costly project on the state’s forests, wildlife, lakes, rivers and streams. CMP’s proposal includes above-ground transmission lines across the Kennebec River Gorge, a beautiful area enjoyed every year by thousands of white water rafters.
According to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, the line would negatively affect 263 valuable wetlands, 115 streams and 12 inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat areas. That information frightens me. It indicates that CMP is putting its profit ahead of Maine’s environment.
I am upset to learn that most of this electricity will go straight to Massachusetts. None of it will help power Maine homes. While Mainers lose treasured wild lands and animal habitat, so important to hunters, fishermen and tourists, CMP shareholders will be making roughly $60 million per year on this transmission line.
I urge the Maine DEP and Land Use Planning Commission to reject permits for that project.
Nancy Prince, Wilton
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