Maine and Tidal Power

Oil dealers, fishermen object to off-shore energy bill
Caroline Cornish, Reporter 1 day ago
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AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The legislature is considering a bill that would encourage the development of off-shore wind and tidal power.

Supporters of the bill say it will reduce the state's dependence on foreign oil. But the bill, which came out of the Governor's Ocean Energy Task Force, has a lot of detractors, both among oil dealers and fishermen.

A legislative committee held a hearing on the 36-page bill Thursday. It removes some barriers to off-shore wind development and gives tax incentives to Mainers who want to move to electric heat, instead of oil.

Supporters of the bill say it's important for the legislature to act now so that Maine can become a leader in developing clean energy. But oil dealers say the bill will put family-owned businesses out of business. Ground fishermen, meanwhile, are concerned that some of the areas where the state plans to experiment with off-shore wind are in their fishing lanes and will devastate their way of life. Opponents say this bill is being rushed through and should be held off until next session.