Question 1 is a playbook for diverse opponents of Maine renewable development

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 8, 2021

The referendum aiming to stop the Central Maine Power Co. corridor highlights likely challenges for future renewable projects. CMP and its affiliates spent more than $62 million over the past two years, but they could not sway public opinion in favor of the 145-mile transmission line. In the short run, Massachusetts is trying to determine how it can meet its renewable energy goals, which effectively rely on hydropower from Canada. There are possible alternatives, but each has their own drawbacks too. That is due in large part to Question 1 creating a blueprint for opponents of large renewable energy projects to whip the public against them.