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Natural Resources Council of Maine

Protecting the Nature of Maine

Maine Wind Power Projects Pick Up Steam

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    NRCM has been actively supporting and promoting three large-scale wind power projects making the news lately.  The Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) will hold public hearings for these projects in the next four months, beginning in August. These projects have the potential to position Maine as a leader in wind energy in New England: the 42 MW Mars Hill Wind Project already is the largest wind farm operating in the region. The approval and construction of these wind farms will help address the threat of global warming and achieve NRCM’s goal of having 5% of Maine’s electricity provided by wind energy by 2010!

    Redington Project Scaled-back to Match NRCM Compromise
    For the past year, NRCM has urged opponents and proponents of the Redington Wind Farm to join us in supporting a “Black Nubble-only” compromise, first proposed by NRCM last fall.  This scaled-back project would place wind turbines only on Black Nubble Mountain and would put more ecologically sensitive Redington Pond Range in permanent protection. A Black Nubble-only wind farm would produce 54 MW of clean energy, more than any other wind power installation currently operating in New England. Protecting Redington Mountain would be a very significant accomplishment, since it is the last 4,000-foot peak in Maine that has not yet been protected. The revised project protects sensitive wildlife habitat while increasing clean, renewable energy in
    Maine. This is a win-win solution for Maine’s citizens, and we urge everyone to support it. Public hearings are expected to be held in mid-September, so stay tuned and start spreading the word!

    Kibby Mountain Project Receives Strong Support from Environmental Groups
    NRCM worked diligently with Maine Audubon and the Appalachian Mountain Club to reach an agreement with wind developer TransCanada in support of the company’s proposal for a 130 MW project in Kibby Township in Franklin County. TransCanada has agreed to significant land conservation arrangements and studies should LURC approve the company’s application to construct and operate a 44-turbine power facility. The facility expected to generate about 357 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 50,000 Maine homes. A public hearing on the Kibby project is tentatively scheduled for mid-October.
    Stetson Wind Power Project in Washington County Moves Toward Hearings
    LURC will hold a hearing in early August for the proposed 57 MW project on Stetson Ridge in Washington County. NRCM has visited the site, reviewed the permit application, and will be testifying in support of the project. We currently are involved in discussions with the developer and other interested parties about a public benefit fund that would help enhance the value of the project to
    local communities.
    Come Visit Mars Hill Wind Project – The Largest Operating Wind Farm in New England
    The turbines on Mars Hill are spinning today, generating both clean electricity and interest in wind power. Project managers at Mars Hill are keeping busy fielding requests for daily tours of the turbines. With multiple additional wind farm proposals moving forward, Mars Hill provides an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand what a large-scale wind project is like.
    Stay Informed and Share your Voice
    Maine is taking big steps forward in achieving our clean energy goals. NRCM strongly supports appropriately sited wind power, and we hope you will be involved.

    About NRCM

    The Natural Resources Council of Maine is a nonprofit membership organization protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine's environment, now and for future generations. Join NRCM today!