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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Ideas have long floated for generating electricity from offshore wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine. Proponents such as the Governor's Energy Office tout the benefits of developing a new, Maine-based renewable energy source. The fishing industry, however, has raised concerns about the turbines' impact on marine habitat and on the livelihoods of fishermen.

Now an agreement between a wind-power company and the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council creates a framework for involving labor groups in offshore wind development. The agreement could lead to the creation of hundreds of union construction jobs — and another stakeholder in the offshore wind debate.

Overall, would the development of offshore wind power benefit Maine's businesses and economy?
Yes (73%, 340 VOTES)
No (27%, 127 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Ideas have long floated for generating electricity from offshore wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine. Proponents such as the Governor's Energy Office tout the benefits of developing a new, Maine-based renewable energy source. The fishing industry, however, has raised concerns about the turbines' impact on marine habitat and on the livelihoods of fishermen.

Now an agreement between a wind-power company and the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council creates a framework for involving labor groups in offshore wind development. The agreement could lead to the creation of hundreds of union construction jobs — and another stakeholder in the offshore wind debate.

  • 467 Votes
  • 15 Comments
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15 Comments

  • April 12, 2021

    I am as much of an environmentalist and pro-business guy as you could find. Call me pragmatic. Certainly, the offshore fishing industry concerns should be listened to. I think the issue is "temporary inconvenience" vs. long-term negative impact. Personally, I am not seeing a long-term negative impact. Like all construction efforts, there will be some initial disruption and inconvenience but that, IMHO, is acceptable. The death of seabirds problem is being addressed and the painting of one blade of the wind turbine black seems to ward off the birds - tests being done in Europe, etc.

    Maine is a beautiful place. But, it is the state with the oldest population. We need new and innovative industries that are immune to geography. Anything that can improve our broadband access, reduce our energy costs, and maintain our environment, are all plusses to me. This will attract people and businesses "from away." We can continue to live in a pristine environment but we may end up being a starving bird in a gilded cage. If you asked my grandparents what they thought of wind turbines, they would be onboard 100%. You need to crack a few eggs to make an omelet and if having offshore wind turbines gets us "free" energy and doesn't burn carbon fuels, and reduces energy costs, what could be wrong with that?

    I think the negativity is coming from those who simply do not want change. With a population as old as Maine, you will find (I'll wager) great support in Congressional District 1, while utter hatred in Congressional District 2, because those "new-fangled windmills [sic] are some kind of hippy, libtard, socialist contraptions that will kill off the lobster industry." So, you have that to deal with, and I would say, "Good luck." This is the same crowd that objects to solar panels because they "heat up the earth." There's no convincing them of facts. Again, "good luck."

  • April 12, 2021
    What impact does this have on our fishing industry? Are these platforms designed to survive fall hurricanes and adverse winter weather without constant serving at sea?
  • April 12, 2021

    Without question, it would.

  • April 12, 2021

    Maine does not have oil or natural gas, but has tremendous offshore wind energy potential off its coast. Let's capture that energy opportunity and transition it to economic opportunity to the benefit of all Mainers!

  • April 12, 2021

    Overall, it would be a benefit if strategically placed outside of prime fishing grounds.