New powerline in Maine divides environmentalists

A project that has been named "The New England Clean Energy Connect" seems to be dividing environmentalists and generating controversy. It is a powerline that would connect hydroelectric power in Quebec to the population in Massachusetts. But it would cut across scenic unspoiled forest in Maine.

Supposedly it would "help fight climate change" by connecting population with renewable hydroelectric power. But it would also involve razzing down a 145 mile line of forest in Maine, and many naturalists say it would spoil the view, in recreational areas that otherwise appear to have very little presence of human activity.

see the third video down in this link:
'The Two Maines': Solutions to what divides us, highlighting what unites us as a state (wmtw.com)

Central Maine Power's proposed transmission line through western Maine is dividing neighbors in one small town.

Peter Dostie is concerned that the project, called New England Clean Energy Connect, would have a negative effect on the beauty of western Maine. He is a rafter, snowmobiler and the owner of the Hawk's Nest Lodge in West Forks.
"The north woods of Maine are special. They are unbroken," Dostie said. "This is what we live for, and like I said, it's the last of it. I don't want to stand here looking at windmills and this power line."​

here's a link about a separate similar controversy:
Bitter wind: a town divided over a controversial Maine wind farm – E360 video contest winner | Wind Energy News (wind-watch.org)

What you need to know about the CMP transmission line proposed for Maine (bangordailynews.com)

It would be a high voltage, direct current transmission line that would run 145 miles from Beattie Township, a small community on the Canadian border, to Lewiston, where it would connect to the New England electric grid. The line is expected to cost $950 million, which would be paid for by Massachusetts.

Most of the line would run overhead on 100-foot towers. It would, however, run under the Kennebec River between Moxie Gore and West Forks, a concession Central Maine Power made to residents worried about the impact a line over the river would have on the area’s scenery and tourism industry. The line would then run overhead to Lewiston, where Central Maine Power would build a $250 million conversion station (to step down the voltage).

Roughly 50 miles of the proposed line, from the Canadian border to just south of the Kennebec River, would require clearing a 150-foot wide corridor. The rest of the line would run along an already established transmission corridor, although it would need to be widened by another 75 to 85 feet to accommodate the new line.

Most of the towns along the line have expressed support for the project, with the exception of Caratunk, New Sharon and West Forks. While Caratunk initially endorsed the line, it rescinded its support and now opposes the project. The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine also initially supported the construction of the line but withdrew its support after members expressed opposition.

Some environmental groups studying the proposal have yet to weigh in, including the Acadia Center and the Conservation Law Foundation. Both groups declined to comment on their evaluations of the line to the BDN.​

 

If they stopped gobbling so much electricity, it wouldn't be necessary. Sure hope it's not the objecting people doing any of that gobbling!

 

Population of just the surrounding area around Boston: 4.9 million
Population in the entire state of Maine: 1.3 million

 

People more concerned with preserving their 'view' than getting clean power are NOT environmentalists.

These are prolly the same type of people who'd rather an exploding deer population starve to death than be culled by hunters.

'Form over function' is one thing. This is form spiting function.

 

NIMBY strikes again.
Massachusetts will face some hard choices if Maine doesn't bail them out. That may be a good thing.

 

From Maine and for clean energy but was upset about the amount offered Maine at first was very little , now it is much more but I personally would hold out for more but I am a greedy Capitalist!

 

I am not sure that "ruining the view" is a valid environmental concern TBH. Nature adapts. The right of way under the lines will become a wildlife corridor and grazing area.