I am writing to express my appreciation to our state legislators and local communities who have stepped up to show their support of union jobs associated with the lower Kennebec dams. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #1837 represents hydro workers on the Kennebec River. The Maine Department of Marine Resources’ 2020 Amendment that proposes to advance dam removal would have detrimental effects on the lower Kennebec communities, including the loss of good-paying union jobs.

On behalf of our members, I would like to express our gratitude to Sen. Scott Cyrway, Sen. Brad Farrin, Rep. Bruce White, Rep. Colleen Madigan, and Rep. Jenifer Poirier, who are opposed to MDMR’s dam removal plans. Additionally, I would also like to thank the communities of Madison, Norridgewock, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and Winslow, who have also expressed opposition.

As a result of bad trade deals like NAFTA and other market forces, Maine has lost thousands of good-paying union jobs. Any steps that may be taken to remove dams will have unintended consequences that will be difficult to reverse. If the dams go away, many of those good jobs will go away, too. As was the case with shuttered factories and mills, our members who work on the Kennebec River are unlikely to find jobs with the wages and benefits they have now.

The carbon-neutral energy generated by these dams and these good jobs will make an important contribution toward reaching Maine’s climate and economic goals. Removing these dams from the Kennebec will move Maine in the opposite direction and be a setback for those goals.

We appreciate the support from local legislators and communities and urge the public to consider what’s at stake in terms of local jobs, economic impact, and reaching our future climate goals.

Matthew Beck

Business Representative, IBEW Local Union #1837

Manchester

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