BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 14, 2023
Maine is one of the most promising states for wind energy in the Northeast. Yet onerous permitting rules have hamstrung the development of several offshore wind projects. Until we rein in permitting delays, clean energy projects in Maine and across the country will continue to struggle to get off the ground. The process needs to be faster, less complicated, and more predictable to enable clean energy projects to come to fruition. Mainers are ready and willing to accelerate the transition to green energy. We just need to pare back onerous permitting requirements to create new jobs and build the future of sustainability right here. It is critical that Congress prioritize passing permitting reform. Maine cannot wait. ~ Dana Connors, retired president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce