KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 2, 2021
Outside interest groups and the Maine Department of Marine Resources want to force the removal of four dams on the lower Kennebec River. The potential byproducts of those decisions conflict with the demands of a healthy state economy, now and into the future. Most glaring is the potential removal of the Shawmut Dam in Fairfield and the economic harm that would result for Sappi’s Somerset Mill. Our state policymakers should be looking to preserve the existing industries instead of supporting efforts that prioritize five fish a year over thousands of family-sustaining jobs. In addition, given the state of Maine’s commitments to bold climate change policies, it is critical to leverage existing renewable energy generation, including the lower Kennebec River dams. ~ Kimberly Nadeau Lindlof, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce