The Legislature should establish criteria to secure the benefits of offshore wind development Maine

Maine has aggressive goals for renewable energy transition and reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind power is increasingly obvious that it will play a part in this transformation.

With this in mind, lawmakers are considering legislation to promote not only wind energy generating, but also the creation of an industry to create the components and technology needed in that generation, including port facilities.

Rather than leaving choices regarding industry location and growth to private corporations or the federal government, this proposal would give the state more control over the industry's location and growth in Maine.

It is critical that the state act quickly before other states start and build their own industries, perhaps putting Maine behind. "Maine has a world-class offshore wind resource," according to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory assessment.

Maine should be in control of developing that resource, and as much as feasible, the state and its citizens should profit financially.

To that end, the Maine Legislature is debating a number of proposals pertaining to offshore wind generation. One instructs the Maine Public Utilities Commission to enhance wind power generation in Maine through a series of procurement contracts. By raising demand for this renewable energy source, this is a critical first step in jumpstarting offshore wind energy development in the state.

The plan includes provisions for hiring local workers and preserving the state's profitable lobster harvest. This last provision garnered the law accolades from those in the lobster industry, which is critical if Maine's offshore wind industry is to thrive. The law also calls for consultation with the various communities affected by offshore wind projects, including the Wabanaki people of Maine.

Another measure, which is related to the procurement legislation, is concerned with the standards for the building of port infrastructure to serve this new industry. It does not specify where that port should be located, but it highlights the importance of job quality.

Another measure, which is related to the procurement legislation, is concerned with the standards for the building of port infrastructure to serve this new industry. It does not specify where that port should be located, but it highlights the importance of job quality.

A labor and climate advocacy group issued a poll Monday showing that Maine residents support offshore wind development and want it to be done with sufficient worker protections.

Building an offshore wind sector, including port facilities, in Maine has the potential to produce thousands of employment as part of a burgeoning international industry, in addition to diversifying the state's energy supply and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Lawmakers and the governor now have the chance to grow this burgeoning industry in a way that benefits Maine people, while safeguarding the state’s environment and marine economy.

Legislators and the governor now have the opportunity to expand this thriving business in a way that benefits Maine residents while protecting the state's environment and maritime economy.

The offshore wind industry creates many opportunities for supply chains everywhere in the world. The essence is that win-win scenario's are being developed and that the Legislature establish criteria to secure the benefits of the offshore wind developments in Maine. TTT Things Take Time; however, the renwable goals set are aggresive so we need to act swiftly to develop supply chains for the planned offshore wind projects.

Maine has unique challenges and opportunities to develop offshore wind projects and be part of the green energy transition with increased energy independency and a reduction of greenhouse gas emmissions.

Lessons-learned from other countries who are ahead in offshore wind development have proven to be very valuable as we avoid making similar mistakes.