A state lawmaker from the midcoast has submitted a bill aimed at keeping a proposed experimental floating wind farm from being built at its state-approved location off Monhegan Island.

Sen. Dana Dow, R-Damariscotta, wants to prohibit a wind energy test area within 10 miles of the island’s lobster conservation area. The current site is roughly 2 1/2 miles off the island.

Through the Senate Republican Office, Dow issued a statement saying the project would threaten migrating birds as well as the remote, rugged beauty that draws artists and tourists. He said Mainers wouldn’t allow such a project near Mount Katahdin or Acadia National Park, which, like Monhegan, are special places.

Dow’s bill reflects similar positions voiced by a group of year-round and seasonal residents and their supporters called Protect Monhegan. Other residents, however, say they support the project, but want to negotiate the best deal for the community.

The project is being developed by a consortium that includes the University of Maine, Cianbro Corp. and Emera Inc. They hope to erect two floating towers that would hold turbines with blade tips that could reach 600 feet above the water. Photo-simulations indicate they would appear as small pinwheels on the horizon, but opponents say these renderings are out of scale and misleading.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: