SUN JOURNAL • May 2, 2023
As a conservative outdoorsman who cares deeply about our environment, I am offended when economic projects get sold as having an environmental benefit when they have no such thing. We were told the Central Maine Power corridor, euphemistically called the New England Clean Energy Connect would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but Hydro-Quebec refused to make this claim under oath. LD 1658, would require a comprehensive analysis of the corridor’s greenhouse gas impact after one year in operation. The cost of the analysis is nominal compared to the size and stakes of the project, and I say that as someone who takes costs seriously. Verifying claims to stakeholders is a regular business practice. The CMP corridor should not get a special exemption. ~ William Smith III, Mount Vernon