LePage imposes moratorium on new wind energy permits
Source: Portland Press Herald
AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage imposed a moratorium on new wind energy projects in western and coastal Maine on Wednesday while establishing a secretive commission to study how wind turbines impact the state’s tourism economy.
LePage, a long-time critic of wind energy, issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies from issuing permits “related to wind turbines” in western and coastal Maine, on coastal islands and along “significant avian migratory pathways.” The moratorium would remain in place until a new Maine Wind Energy Advisory Commission – whose meetings will be closed to the public and not subject to Maine’s Freedom of Access Act – reports on the wind power’s economic impact and recommends potential regulatory changes.
“While out-of-state interests are eager to exploit our western mountains in order to serve their political agendas, we must act judiciously to protect our natural beauty,” LePage said in a statement. “I urge the commission to take the time they need to develop the right policies that balance tourism, the needs of the communities, the environment and development.”
Maine’s governor announced the moratorium one day before Massachusetts regulators are expected to announce the initial round of winners of a bidding competition to supply huge amounts of renewable energy to the Bay State. With several Maine-based wind projects vying for the lucrative contract, both supporters and critics of LePage’s action said the executive order appeared timed to send a message to Massachusetts about the prospects for new wind projects in the state.
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Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2018/01/24/lepage-imposes-moratorium-on-new-wind-energy-permits/
Koch Bros.
yup
= new reply since forum marked as read
Really? 
