MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 31, 2022
State Sen. Mark W. Lawrence recently voiced his support for saving both the Shawmut Dam and salmon. As a member of the forest products industry, and an avid fly fisherman, I thank him for bringing practicality to the discussion. Only 10 percent of our region’s electric supply is from renewable sources. Another 6 percent of our power is generated by hydro dams, which supply a steady baseload power necessary to offset the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. The remainder is produced by natural gas, nuclear and a few other sources. If Maine is to reach its bold climate goals, hydro will have to be a significant part of the mix. Removal of dams will make us more dependent on nonrenewable fossil fuels. We can and should save both the Atlantic salmon and the Shawmut Dam. ~ James L. Robbins, Searsmont