(LURC) Panel rejects (wind) power project (Maine)

[jpak]

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070125windpower.html

FARMINGTON - In a decision that could have ramifications for the future of wind power in Maine, the Land Use Regulation Commission rejected a plan on Wednesday to erect 30 turbines on two western Maine mountains.

The application by Maine Mountain Power to rezone about 1,000 acres on Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain so it could build 400-foot-tall turbines was watched carefully because LURC controls development in about half of Maine.

Jeffrey Thaler, a lawyer for Maine Mountain Power, called the decision a "big loss" for people who are concerned about the environment. "This would have been a very well-designed, very well-executed project," he said.

However, many of the more than 100 people who attended the meeting at the University of Maine at Farmington opposed the development on environmental grounds. Several carried signs protesting the proposal.

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Land-use board shows power in wind farm vote

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070125windside2.html

The surprising rejection on Wednesday of a proposed wind farm near Rangeley sends one clear message to landowners with development plans for Maine's North Woods.

Members of Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission aren't afraid to make up their own minds about what activities are allowed by the strict rules that protect the 10 million acres of unorganized territory.

Neither widespread support for wind power nor a strong endorsement by LURC's own staff swayed the commissioners in this case. They effectively voted 6-1 against the Redington wind farm after citing concerns about its visual and environmental effects.

Overturning a staff recommendation is unusual, but doing it as strongly as commissioners did on Wednesday was stunning.

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[MethuenProgressive]

1. The cost was too much.

Maine exports electrical energy, and LURC saw that the sacrifice of a protected wild mountaintop so that Bostonians can plug in more giant TVs wasn't a wise choice .