Yesterday The Land Use Regulation Commission voted to deny Maine Mountain Power’s 30 turbine wind farm which would have been placed within a mile of the AT on top of Mt. Redington (a 4000 footer) and Black Nubble. The Commission appears to have recognised that this is a case where the location is great for the energy company, but completely unsuited for the environment. Maine Mountain Power has tried to portray this battle as a “not in my backyard issue” and has chose to ignore both the environmental impact on endangered species and its spoiling of one of Maines most scenic areas. The very suggestion that 30 four hundred foot tall turbines would not detract from the natural beauty visible from the AT, a designated scenic trail, just confirms our worst suspicions. This project has little to do with “clean energy” and everything to do with the trading of carbon credits so that they can operate their dirty coal fired plants else where in the country without penalty.
While this appears to be a victory, the decision could still be appealed in court. Since this is a $300 million dollar project, It is likely that there will still be another round to be fought. There is something perverse about taking wind power, which is enthusiastically backed by environmentalists, and using it to corrupt one of the more beautiful natural places, forcing environmentalists to have to oppose the very cause they have championed. If I didn’t know better I would say it was deliberate.
Here is a news article on Redington decision:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2007/01/24/3438784-ap.html
RickTheLoneWolf