In regard to the Redington Wind Farm Project

By Mary Henderson

I am truly thankful that LURC’s progressive regulations prohibited any zoning change of Maine Mountain Power’s land that would have allowed the construction of 30 wind turbines on Redington Mountain and Black Nubble peaks. The applicant didn’t demonstrate that its project would fit harmoniously into the existing natural environment, that the change satisfies a demonstrated need in the area, and that the project has no undue adverse impact on existing uses and resources. Clearly, these requirements could not be met. 
 
LURC's charge is to preserve scenic values, resources, and vistas which are coming under increasing pressure, and cannot be replaced, the increasing concern of ridgeline development, defining clearing standards, reducing light pollution, fitting projects harmoniously into the landscape, and allowing no adverse impacts on existing uses and resources. They do recognize the tremendous value of our high mountain areas and understand that it is its duty to protect and preserve these resources. 
  
We respect LURC Commissioners for abiding by their laws in the face of such huge pressure.  Hundreds of us work endlessly to foster an atmosphere where our economy here in Western Maine can flourish.  We are grateful not to receive a crushing blow to these efforts, not significantly devalue hundreds of homes in Western Maine, and not scar our beautiful mountains forever.  It's encouraging to know the system does work well here in Maine. 
  
 
Mary Henderson 
Stratton, Me 
 
PS If CLF calculates that New England needs about 8,000 megawatts of wind power to meet regional climate change goals that Maine agreed to and the Redington site can produce 90 megawatts than that means we need 89 more 30 tower wind farms. There goes Maine Vacationland. Hasn't anyone heard of hydro power. It is 24 hours a day and we have 107 dams in Maine already. We also only use 20 percent of the electricity we produce now.