The Appalachian Trail & Wind Power

An Uneasy Alliance

Does MATC/AMC Support Wind Power?

• The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) supports significant increases in renewable energy ………. The MATC recognizes the need to develop wind power as a renewable energy source.

• The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) supports significant increases in renewable energy that result in actual greenhouse gas and air pollutant reductions and is balanced with strong protection of natural and recreational resources of statewide, regional or national significance.

Yes, but a Qualified Yes

“Energy Issues: Because there are both societal benefits to renewable energy and significant adverse impacts associated

with the installation of wind farms, the benefits of any individual project must be weighed in relation to the costs.

Some of these factors include:Source of power that is likely to be displaced by the wind

farm: Will the wind displace fossil-fuel plants or other renewable sources? (This is a remarkably complex question, but in

some circumstances it seems likely that wind will not displace fossil fuels, but rather will lead to closure of biomass generation or increased peaking of

hydroelectric dams.)Power production in relation to the severity of impacts: Will

the amount of power produced be in proportion to the severity of the impacts?”

Policy on Wind-Energy Facilities(As adopted by the ATC Board of Directors on November 3, 2007)

Reddington Wind

Permit denied in 2007

2008 Wind Energy Act

• Wind Projects are a Permissible Use in LURC Jurisdiction

• Wind Power is Presumed “Good”

• No Visual Impact if > 8 miles

• Expedited Areas, fees and procedures.

Record Hill

Record Hill from East Baldpate. Mt. Blue in the Distance.

Cumulative Impact

• 8-mile, 15-mile & 25-mile rings.

• Existing (402 MW) and developing projects (382 MW).

• 850 MW in planning – not shown.

West Range project: Iberdrola

Higher Turbines

120 m394-ft.

150 m492-ft.

175 m574-ft.

2008 2012 2015

Wind Assessment Study

• 15 wind-related bills submitted to Legislature in 2011.

• All rejected by EUT committee & Governor.

• Under pressure, passed a “resolve”.

• 25 Recommendations to Improve the current Wind Act.

• Visual assessments up to 15 miles.

• Consider cumulative visual impacts.

• Require DEP approved Decommissioning Plan.

An Act to Protect Maine’s Scenic Character

LD 1147

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More than 50% of Maine’s wind generating capacity was built prior to the Wind Act.

After 7 years, it is time to recalibrate the Wind Act to better balance wind power development with protection of Maine’s “Quality of Place”.

Amendments to the Act will not stop future wind power development.