PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 9, 2024
The state House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected legislation that would have authorized the state to build an offshore wind terminal on Sears Island, an initial step in Maine’s foray into the wind energy industry. In a blow to Gov. Janet Mills, who selected the island as a wind port, the 80-65 vote sides with critics who cited potential damage to Sears Island’s sand dunes. Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, who described herself as an environmentalist, said, “For me it’s the larger overarching issue of climate change that has led me to ‘yes.'” Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, said “it’s hard to reconcile destroying part of the environment to save the environment” and questioned whether wind power will accomplish what advocates claim. The bill now heads to the Senate.