Maine wind power industry feels push back from residents concerned about noise, blocked views

Maine residents push back against wind power farms

AUGUSTA, Maine — As wind power expands in Maine, the industry is feeling a gust of push back from those who worry about the turbines’ noise and impact on scenery and about whether too many towers are going up too fast.

Several towns across the state have imposed moratoriums and their own regulations on new wind developments.

Citizens’ groups have sprouted up. The Citizens Task Force on Wind Power says the industry has had a decade head start to bring its projects online and citizens are just catching up.

The administration of Gov. John Baldacci acknowledges heightened awareness to wind power. But it remains committed to wind and other forms of renewable energy to help wean the oil-dependent state from fossil fuels.

Senior Baldacci policy adviser Karin Tilberg says state law doesn’t pre-empt local control to regulate windmills.