Offshore Wind Wire

By Peter Brennan

Maine state representative Leila Percy has recommended downgrading an ambitious piece of wind energy legislation from a bill into a resolve.

On March 11, the Utilities and Energy Committee of the Maine Legislature held a public hearing on LD 1810, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Governor’s Ocean Energy Task Force.  The proposal sets out a goal of 300 megawatts (MW) of installed offshore wind capacity by 2020 and 5,000 MW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Several legislators, experts and interested parties from both sides testified about the bill before a standing room only crowd.

Percy, co-chair of the Marine Resources Committee, said that she had not had enough time to read all 38 pages of the legislation. Citing concerns from fishermen in her district, Percy recommended turning the bill into a resolve in order to “work on it throughout the summer”.

A resolve would order the legislature to study the issue and effectively delay any action on the legislation until the next legislative cycle.

Beth Nagusky, co-chair of the Oceans Energy Task Force and director of Innovation and Assistance for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, told the committee that the bill would give structure to the offshore wind permitting process.

“Any offshore wind or wave developer could come to Maine tomorrow and file a permit,” Nagusky said.  “This bill would clarify the process potential developers have to go through, and addresses the other issues associated with harvesting this resource.”

Nagusky went on to make the case for offshore wind as Maine’s “hugest natural resource.”

“Offshore wind is the only resource in Maine that is capable of supporting a low carbon energy future that is decoupled from foreign influence.” Nagusky said,  “Offshore wind could be Maine’s niche.”

When reached for comment, Rep. Percy said that legislators met regarding the bill on Tuesday and were planning to meet again on Wednesday.