BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 22, 2023
The Maine Research Array (MERA) is a critical next step in this compromise. MERA will be a floating base anchored some 40 miles out in the Gulf of Maine to conduct scientific research on how to accommodate offshore wind with fishing, lobstering and the gulf’s ecosystem. But Maine must first build a port capable of building these massive floating wind projects. No port means no jobs, no union work, no research to protect the Gulf of Maine. Maine’s legislation must anchor all its goals on the one goal that secures all others: the building of a port in Maine for the construction and launch of Maine and other floating offshore wind technologies. Maine can’t wait. It’s time for the port. ~ Tony Buxton, lobbyist representing New England Aqua Ventus and Pine Tree Offshore Wind