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I am reversing my thank-you to the Maine House! Just as they reversed their decision concerning the sand dunes on Sears Island, I reverse my gratitude to them! When the House voted to protect the dunes on Sears, it gave those of us wanting to protect the island from development new hope. It was, unfortunately, short-lived.
I fail to understand a process that can create a law that protects our world, but then allows exceptions. It is like we are saying, “This is valuable and we want to save it, but it is inconvenient at the moment, so let’s just make an exception.” It sounds like poor Earth stewardship to me!
In an article covering the first vote, this quote was key: “House Minority Leader Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, questioned whether environmental laws have value if they can be skirted by the Legislature.”
“Sears Island is not the right place for this,” Faulkingham said.
Mack Point is 400 yards away and the owners want the wind port there. I believe the jobs and wind energy will have the same area impact as if it was at Sears, but the largest undeveloped island in Penobscot Bay would be saved.
Bad deal, Maine House. They had a chance to be heroes and they blew it!
Sue Shaw
Penobscot