As a conservative outdoorsman who cares deeply about our environment, I am offended when economic projects get sold as having an environmental benefit when they have no such thing.
In recent years this “greenwashing” commonly comes under the guise of “climate.”
There is no better case in point than the Central Maine Power corridor, euphemistically called the New England Clean Energy Connect.
We were told the project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but Hydro-Quebec refused to make this claim under oath. Legislation in 2019 (LD 640) would have required studying the total greenhouse gas effect of the project, but CMP’s lobbyists killed that bill — after the Senate passed it, 30-4.
Who knew a simple “trust, but verify” approach was so threatening? Apparently the big money interests behind the corridor did. This depraved secrecy and maneuvering is one reason many Mainers are so disgusted and disillusioned with politics. Who can blame them?
Fortunately, the Maine Legislature now has the opportunity for a “do-over.” A bill, LD 1658, would require a comprehensive analysis of the corridor’s greenhouse gas impact after one year in operation. The cost of the analysis is nominal compared to the size and stakes of the project, and I say that as someone who takes costs seriously.
Verifying claims to stakeholders is a regular business practice. The CMP corridor should not get a special exemption.
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee should pass this bill, then the Maine House and Senate should follow suit.
William Smith III, Mount Vernon
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