nuclear-news

Support for wind energy in Maine, USA

Wind energy has tremendous pricing benefits for Maine ratepayers – individuals and business owners. A study from ISO-New England found that for every megawatt of new wind that is added to the system, New England wholesale rates may be reduced by $354,000 each year.

Maine Voices: Wind is state’s best bet for renewable energy Portland Press Herald,  Lawmakers should reject proposals that would make wind power harder to produce. By Jeremy Payne , 3 Feb 14 “….A recent poll showed that support for wind energy is shared by an overwhelming 87 percent of Mainers, who said that it is the kind of clean, emission-free renewable energy that our state should be prioritizing.

Despite constant efforts by a vocal few to mislead Mainers about wind energy, people from every part of our state, and all across the political spectrum, strongly support wind energy. I often hear from supporters of wind energy who are pleased with how wind projects are keeping our air and water clean, and boosting our local communities…..

Wind energy has tremendous pricing benefits for Maine ratepayers – individuals and business owners. A study from ISO-New England found that for every megawatt of new wind that is added to the system, New England wholesale rates may be reduced by $354,000 each year.

This is true because wind energy, and other renewables, can offer much needed price stabilization. Unlike volatile fossil fuels, which can and will spike as demand fluctuates around the nation, wind is both constant and free. That means lower, more stable prices for Maine families and businesses.

Wind energy benefits and stabilizes our economy by offering alternatives to finite energy sources that are all shipped in from out-of-state, and it is a vital and growing part of our economy. In Maine, wind energy has directly created hundreds of jobs and has benefited hundreds more local business. Additionally, , wind energy brings much-needed tax revenues to towns.

Wind energy developers have worked closely with nonprofits, community groups and towns to ensure maximum economic benefit for the regions surrounding wind projects. These investments have led to lower local taxes, funding for public safety and educational programs, and the ability to build new recreational trails and conserve land in Maine.

Businesses and residents across the state agree; Republicans, Democrats and independents agree: Wind energy is good for Maine. We hope Maine lawmakers will agree, too, and will stop efforts to end wind energy as we know it in Maine, and make future investment impossible. http://www.pressherald.com/opinion/Maine_Voices__One_hedy_for_Web_.htm

February 4, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized