CLF Will Urge LURC to Reopen Record

Contact:
Sean Mahoney, Steve Hinchman
(207) 729-7733

BRUNSWICK, ME (June 5, 2007) At a public hearing Wednesday, the Conservation Law Foundation will call on the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to support Maine Mountain Power’s request to reopen the record for consideration of a revised one-mountain wind farm on Black Nubble Mountain near Rangeley.

Maine Mountain Power had originally applied for a rezoning permit from LURC in 2006 to construct 30 wind turbines on two mountains, Redington and Black Nubble. The Conservation Law Foundation was the only major environmental organization to support that application.

Earlier this year, LURC commissioners indicated they would oppose the rezoning and as a result, the company has revised its plan and is requesting consideration of a one-mountain option with 18 wind turbines.

Sean Mahoney, vice president and director of the Conservation Law Foundation’s Maine Advocacy Center, said that reopening the record, instead of requiring Maine Mountain Power to file an entirely new application, is the most appropriate and efficient way to proceed.

“Sufficient evidence supporting the scaled-down Black Nubble Project is already in the record,” said Mahoney. “Should the Commission require Maine Mountain Power to file a new application for the scaled-down Black Nubble Project, the only purpose served would be delay.”

LURC commissioners will meet Wednesday in Bangor to consider the request.

CLF staff attorney Steve Hinchman said CLF supports the revised project in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and the global warming pollution they cause.

“We need to invest in new sources of renewable energy immediately in order to reduce the harmful affects climate change will have on Maine’s natural environment and coastal communities,” said Hinchman. “The revised Black Nubble project is an opportunity for us to begin meeting Maine’s stated goal of increasing renewable power capacity by 10% over the next decade.”

The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.