Sen. Lawrence introduces bill to explore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, introduced a bill to support the exploration of wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. LD 336, “An Act To Encourage Research To Support the Maine Offshore Wind Industry,” was the subject of a public hearing in the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

“The climate crisis threatens nearly every aspect of our lives, from our economic stability to our ability to enjoy the great outdoors. We know we need to make bold changes to help mitigate its impact, and a major part of that is developing renewable energy technology,” said Sen. Lawrence. “Maine has a great opportunity to be a national leader in off-shore wind energy. I’m proud to sponsor this bill, which will help further expand our already growing green energy industry.”

LD 336 would direct the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to negotiate a long-term power purchase agreement necessary to facilitate the development and operations of the State of Maine’s floating offshore wind research array in the Gulf of Maine.

“The offshore wind industry is expected to generate $1 trillion in global investments by 2040,” said  Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office, in testimony supporting the bill. “With a growing number of projects in development along the Eastern coast of the U.S., and a clear directive from the federal government and states supporting offshore wind, the time for Maine to responsibly develop this renewable energy industry as an economic driver to create sustaining, good-paying jobs in engineering, construction, manufacturing, and more is now.”

David Costello with the Natural Resources Council of Maine testified in favor of the bill, saying: “We strongly support efforts by the Mills Administration, University of Maine, and others to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potentially harmful impacts and ensure that OSW is developed in a way that works for all Maine families and communities. Importantly, we share a commitment to a future where clean energy, fishing, lobstering, and many other uses coexist and flourish in the Gulf of Maine.”

Maine Conservation Voters and Maine Renewable Energy Association also testified in favor of the bill.

LD 336 faces further action in committee.