MAINE MORNING STAR • January 31, 2025
State Rep. Reagan Paul, a Republican from Winterport, has proposed legislation that would prevent the state from building a planned facility on Sears Island to support a nascent offshore Gulf of Maine ocean wind power industry. The measure was floated as President Donald Trump froze further ocean wind development in federal waters. It follows funding roadblocks to the ambitious port project. The bill would extend an existing conservation easement over the entire 941-acre, state-owned island in Searsport. The land was divided in 2007 between a preservation area and a smaller parcel set aside for development. Paul opposes developing offshore wind power and argues it is too expensive and environmentally harmful.