Group of Maine lawmakers trying to block Sears Island wind port

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 28, 2025

A new effort is underway in the Legislature to derail the Mills administration’s plan to build a wind port on Sears Island. Proposed legislation — backed by six Republicans, a representative of the Passamaquoddy tribe and a Democrat — directs the state Department of Transportation, with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, to extend the island’s conservation easement to cover all of Sears Island. Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport, said, “The Maine DOT has been trying to industrialize Sears Island for decades and has spent millions doing so.” Sears Island is a 941-acre tract off the coast of Searsport. In 2009, it was, by agreement, divided into two parcels: about 600 acres were placed in a permanent conservation easement held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and 330 acres were reserved by the Maine Department of Transportation for future development. The site is eyed for a wind port to assemble wind turbines and other equipment for use in the Gulf of Maine.