PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 24, 2025
A recent op-ed argues for Maine to become a place where rocket launches occur regularly. Claims of benefit to Maine must be weighed against the harms to our traditional economy. Maine’s economy is highly dependent on commercial fishing on the one hand and tourism on the other. Tourists flock to Acadia National Park from all over the world. It’s a uniquely beautiful spot where one can witness the first rays of dawn light in the continental U.S. Residents of nearby Steuben earlier this year rejected a bid to build a rocket launch site offshore of their village, citing the threat to environmental health of waters where food is harvested and also significant noise pollution. And who wants to see a rocket launch facility within sight of Acadia? Not locals. Previously, Jonesport rejected a launch site after passing a moratorium to halt development while local residents had time to study the proposal. Which town will be next to say it does not want to hear or see rockets launching from its coast? ~ Mark Roman, Solon