How do we make a decision on the Pine Tree Power referendum? There are three certainties.

As the Office of the Public Advocate has said, there are too many unknowns to predict what will happen if the measure passes. As a former lawyer, I can see litigation in the Maine state courts, and, in all likelihood, federal courts as well. One certainty is extended complex litigation, perhaps extending 10 years or more.

Another certainty is that we must quadruple our supply of clean energy. Transmission lines, land-based and offshore wind power and solar must be built and connected, in many cases despite vocal opposition. That will require immense amounts of capital as well as radically accelerated state and regional grid-level planning, approval and connection processes. As a state and a society, we have an incredible amount already on our plate.

A third certainty is that Central Maine Power and Versant aren’t going to accelerate or finance the clean-energy transition while the fur ball of litigation rolls forward. Ask yourself: Would you take out a mortgage to build a necessary addition on your house when someone is threatening to take it by eminent domain?

We are already behind the climate eight-ball and cannot afford to add additional layers of complexity and delay.

Give the Public Utilities Commission additional tools to whack CMP and Versant and hold them accountable, by all means. Consider these three certainties, and weigh them against the referendum’s uncertain benefits.

Vote “no” on the Pine Tree Power referendum.

Daniel Amory
Portland