I know that offshore wind can be controversial for some Mainers, especially in communities along the coast like ours. But offshore wind done right, using Maine technology and skills, will stabilize energy costs and create new, family-sustaining jobs that will keep more of our young people in the state. 

A group of legislators, fisheries and labor industry folks, and environmentalists has been working for nearly a year to write a bill that achieves the right balance. We must protect fisheries and coastal towns while we also promote a new industry that  willreduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the warming of the ocean that is already impacting our marine wildlife. 

The Legislature, including state Rep. Jan Dodge, has found that balance by supporting LD 1818,  a bill that puts strong guardrails on the construction of new port facilities to serve offshore wind.

Now, it’s time for us to all come together to take the next step in making sure that offshore wind is done right in Maine. LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, is necessary if we want offshore wind and we also want to protect our lobstering communities. 

The bill will help to jump start the industry and make sure any offshore wind project is put in the best possible location by sending a strong message to the federal government to develop offshore wind outside of Lobster Management Area 1, where the vast majority of commercial fishing takes place.

These are tough issues, but I believe we can do this together. Maine has the chance to build offshore wind the right way and not leave our fate in the hands of either the federal government or other coastal New England states who are also eager for this new industry.

Please contact your legislators and urge them to support LD 1895.

Corliss C. Davis lives in Belfast.