Offshore wind development is the climate solution Maine needs. Maine has begun to feel the unmistakable effects of climate change: intense flooding and storms, sea level rise and record-breaking temperatures. Maine’s winter recreation industry and our fisheries, both billion-dollar economic pillars, are jeopardized by rising temperatures. Simply put, we cannot afford not to act.

Climate change is here, and it is our responsibility to do something about it. Transitioning our energy use to renewables is one of the most important ways we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, improving our environmental quality and bringing us closer to our statewide goal of being carbon neutral by 2040, as outlined in Maine’s climate action plan. Focusing on our emerging offshore wind industry, which takes advantage of a historic half-billion dollar federal investment, will be instrumental in reaching this goal.

Maine is perfectly suited to successful offshore wind energy production. The high wind speeds in the Gulf of Maine will provide larger and more consistent amounts of energy than other locations, and wind speed will match increased energy demand during the winter months and at night. Maine still uses more home heating oil than any other state, and gas-powered vehicles account for nearly half of our annual emissions.

By making this investment in homegrown renewable energy, we both reduce dependence on polluting fossil fuels and gain an opportunity to one day lead national offshore wind development, supporting Maine’s economy and jobs for decades to come.

Beth Widmayer
Wells