The organizations of the Maine Global Warming Action Coalition, listed above, have joined together to support a strong and effective global warming action plan for the state of Maine. We are committed to advocating for the implementation of solutions to global warming here in Maine on behalf of our constituencies, and the people of Maine as a whole.
Global warming is real and there is scientific consensus that burning fossil fuels, an unsustainable process, is a major contributor. Global warming is expected to have negative impacts on Maine including, but not limited to:
• Sea-level rise may endanger economic activities, coastal communities, tourism, ecosystems and endangered species;
• Losses to spruce-fir forests, and losses to alpine and sub-alpine zones, driven by new climate and new parasites, and the associated economic and wildlife impacts;
• Public health consequences: increasing incidence of insect-born diseases and a rising number of poor air quality days, coupled with Maine’s already high asthma rates; and
• Potentially serious effects on winter recreation.
Maine needs a comprehensive policy to curb its global warming pollution. In 2001, the Governor set a target of returning to 1990 levels of atmospheric CO2 by 2010, yet Maine’s emissions have grown 20% since that time. If we further delay taking action to reduce emissions we risk not being able to stop the most serious effects of global warming. Global warming pollution from power plants accounts for approximately one quarter of total emissions in the region. Mining, drilling, processing, transporting and burning fossil fuels, which account for two thirds of our power, impose significant harmful effects on our health and on the environment.
In concert with an effective commitment to use power more responsibly, a significant shift to clean, renewable electricity is an essential component to our energy strategy. Wind power is currently the most technologically and economically viable source of new renewable power in Maine. Every source of generating power has environmental impacts; however, the status quo is unacceptably harmful. When sited appropriately, when conflicts with sensitive ecological and recreational resources are minimized, we support construction of wind power projects in Maine.
The project’s developers have worked hard to substantially reduce risks the project posed to wildlife and natural areas. Operation of the Stetson project will avoid significant amounts of global warming pollution and help protect Maine from climate disruption.
For these reasons, the Maine Global Warming Action Coalition urges the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to approve the Stetson permit application.
Members of the Coalition
American Lung Association of Maine * Conservation Law Foundation *
Chewonki Foundation * Clean Air-Cool Planet * Environmental Defense *
Environment Maine * Environment Northeast * Maine Audubon Society *
Maine Center for Economic Policy * Maine Clean Communities * Maine
Climate Campaign * Maine Council of Churches' Environmental Justice
Program * Maine Interfaith Power and Light * Maine Organic Farmers and
Gardeners' Association * Maine Physicians for Social Responsibility *
Maine Public Health Association * Maine Small Business Alliance *
Natural Resources Council of Maine * Sierra Club – Maine Chapter *
U.S. Green Buildings – ME Chapter * U.S.M. Sustainability Office
