BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 5, 2024
With the federal government’s plans on track to issue the first-ever commercial offshore wind leases in the Gulf of Maine this fall, it’s clear that offshore wind is coming to Maine, where it could reduce price volatility and increase grid reliability while saving New Englanders money. Offshore wind could also be an economic gamechanger with high-quality union jobs in manufacturing, construction, logistics, maintenance, and maritime trades. Already, offshore wind investments are revitalizing ports in Connecticut and Massachusetts. But that won’t be enough to build out offshore wind to its full potential in the Gulf of Maine. That’s why we are excitedly watching the development of a port in Searsport. It’s not too early to begin organizing to identify priorities for a community benefit agreement. Maine Climate Action NOW! is helping to plan an informational session this month. ~ Amy Eshoo, Maine Climate Action NOW!; Jim Mulloy and Betsy Frederick, Salem Alliance for the Environment, Salem, Massachusetts