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Wind power is one of the safest sources of power for our environment and people. It is renewable, produces no emissions, and is good for our economy. Learn more about wind projects in Maine and why the Natural Resources Council of Maine supports appropriately sited wind power, and why you should, too! In-Depth Description

In-Depth Description

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 and move to wind power. Wind is one of the safest sources of power for our environment and people. It is renewable, produces no emissions, and is good for our economy, since wind energy creates much-needed manufacturing and technical jobs—more jobs per dollar invested than any other energy technology, according the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. And unlike coal, oil or gas, wind power is a local Maine product.

NRCM believes that wind farms need to be carefully sited to protect wildlife and should be developed to take advantage of the safest technologies for birds and bats, based on current scientific data. We also believe that visual impact should be considered and that 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.

Currently, coal, oil, and nuclear power provide 60 percent of New England’s energy mix. NRCM has called for a statewide commitment to boost Maine’s use of wind power for electricity production to 5 percent by 2010 and 10 percent by 2020. There are a number of wind projects currently in the works here in Maine that will help reach this goal. With your support for wind power and NRCM, we can make Maine a cleaner, healthier place to live, work, and raise our families.