The Appalachian Trail & Wind Power

An Uneasy Alliance

Does MATC/AMC Support Wind

Power?• The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) supports

significant increases in renewable energy ………. The MATC recognizes the need to develop wind power as a renewable energy source.

• The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) supports significant increases in renewable energy that result in actual greenhouse gas and air pollutant reductions and is balanced with strong protection of natural and recreational resources of statewide, regional or national significance.

Yes, but a Qualified Yes

5-MILE BUFFER3+ CLASS WIND SHADED

CIRCLE SIZE & PLACEMENT APPROXIMATE

Potential Wind Power

Conflict Areas in Maine

“Energy Issues: Because there are both societal benefits to renewable energy and

significant adverse impacts associated with the installation of wind farms, the benefits of any

individual project must be weighed in relation to the costs. Some of these factors include:

Source of power that is likely to be displaced by the wind farm: Will the wind displace fossil-fuel

plants or other renewable sources? (This is a remarkably complex question, but in some circumstances it

seems likely that wind will not displace fossil fuels, but rather will lead to closure of biomass generation or increased

peaking of hydroelectric dams.)Power production in relation to the severity of

impacts: Will the amount of power produced be in proportion to the severity of the impacts?”

Policy on Wind-Energy Facilities(As adopted by the ATC Board of Directors on November 3, 2007)

Reddington Wind

Permit denied in 2007

2008 Wind Energy Act

• Wind Projects are a Permissible Use in LURC Jurisdiction

• Wind Power is Presumed “Good”

• No Visual Impact if > 8 miles

• Expedited Areas, fees and procedures.

A.T.

First Wind’s Bingham Wind will be its 6th & Largest Project

62 turbines492-ft tallBase Elevation 1,400’ - 1,800’All > 7 miles from the A.T.

Visual Simulation of View from Bald Mountain -- provided by First

Wind

N

S

Bald Mountain Pond

Northeast Shoreline Protected

from Development

Protection for some Combination of Conservation

Land

Protection of a Potential Wind

Power Mountain

Ridge

Protection of Crocker Mtn. &/or Orbeton

Stream

Protection, Mitigation & Enhancement (PME) Agreement

• Radar Activated Lighting

• Orbeton viewshed

• Minimize Visual Impact on Bald Mtn. Pond

• Conservation Land Protection

• A.T. Related Issues Resolved

•MATC/AMC will not Oppose Project

•No Collaboration with other Opposition Parties

•MATC/AMC Signs PME Agreement

Record Hill

Record Hill from East Baldpate. Mt. Blue in the Distance.

Cumulative Impact

• 8-mile, 15-mile & 25-mile rings.

• Existing (402 MW) and developing projects (382 MW).

• 850 MW in planning – not shown.

Western Range project: Iberdrola

Higher Turbines

120 m394-ft.

150 m492-ft.

175 m574-ft.

2008 2012 2015

Wind Assessment Study

• 15 wind-related bills submitted to Legislature in 2011.

• All rejected by EUT committee & Governor.

• Under pressure, passed a “resolve”.

• 25 Recommendations to Improve the current Wind Act.

• Visual assessments up to 15 miles.

• Consider cumulative visual impacts.

• Require DEP approved Decommissioning Plan.

An Act to Protect Maine’s Scenic

CharacterLD 1147

.

More than 50% of Maine’s wind generating capacity was built prior to the Wind Act.

After 7 years, it is time to recalibrate the Wind Act to better balance wind power development with protection of Maine’s “Quality of Place”.

Amendments to the Act will not stop future wind power development.

Appalachian Mountain Club

• Over 100,000 members

• Joy Street, Boston office

• Social activities, kayak trips, hikes, etc.

• Enjoy the Outdoors

Maine Appalachian Trail Club

• About 700 members

• Augusta post office box

• Chainsaw training, stone steps, clipping, etc.

• Work so others can enjoy the A.T.