January 29, 2021 — On this brilliant winter day, you could stand on the rocks at Pemaquid Point with a clear view of Monhegan Island in the distance, and feel the wind coming off the water. There is often wind over the ocean, and that’s why there is such interest in developing offshore wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine.
Offshore wind power is a signature goal of the Mills administration and is seen as one of the ways to fight climate change by generating electricity without carbon emissions.
“Offshore wind is a really significant opportunity for the state of Maine, for our energy future and economy,” Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office, said.
But the image of huge, floating wind turbines has many in Maine’s fishing industry very worried. Among them is lobsterman Gerry Cushman of Port Clyde, a leader in both the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.
“And our message to the Governor is we hope you get behind the fishermen and help us fight this. We have no option but to fight this. We have to fight this not just for now but for our kids.”
It is a sharp contrast between those who see opportunity and those who feel threatened, and the Mills dministration is trying to navigate those turbulent waters.
A coalition of fishing groups called the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance said they also support clean energy development to fight climate change but have deep concerns about offshore wind. The groups did say it will keep talking with the Governor’s office about the plan.