Support opposition in Maine to the proposed New England Clean Energy Connect:
Central Maine Power (CMP) has proposed to build a 145-mile, high-voltage, direct current transmission line, called the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), from the Quebec-Maine border to an interconnection with the existing New England grid in Lewiston. About 53 miles of NECEC’s proposed route would create a brand new transmission corridor; requiring clearing of a large, currently undisturbed, swath of Maine’s North Woods.
Under the proposal CMP would also expand the other 92 miles of transmission line, requiring clearing more vegetation and undertaking additional development within existing corridors. CMP’s proposed line includes above-ground transmission lines across the Kennebec River Gorge, the Appalachian Trail, 263 wetlands, 115 streams, 12 inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat areas, and near Beattie Pond, a Class 6 remote pond.
What you can do:
The Natural Resource Council of Maine is opposed to this transmission line because it would harm Maine forests and wildlife, suppress Maine’s renewable energy industry, and could actually increase climate change emissions, all without any clear benefit to Maine or Massachusetts.
Click here for more information on NECEC.
•Sign NAMRA’s petition calling on politicians in the United States to reject large hydro.
•Sign the Muskrat Falls petition.
Sign our Statement of Support:
Megadams: not clean, not green
We understand the need to address climate change, but do not accept that large dams are the right alternative to fossil fuels. We acknowledge that free-flowing rivers are an endangered species requiring protection; that they are vital to ecological health; that large dams are significant sources of greenhouse gases; that floodplains and primary boreal forests are needed for climate resilience; and that large dams do irreversible damage to communities and ecosystems. The right alternative—which is also the best job creator – is energy conservation and efficiency, and small-scale, appropriately sited renewable energy development here at home. We are opposed to the construction of long distance transmission corridors from Canada to the United States – including the proposed New England Clean Energy Connect, Champlain Hudson Power Express, and the New England Clean Power Link, – that will encourage more dam construction in the north and degrade landscapes here at home. We recognize that the silent support of destruction caused by large dams is still a form of support, and that an honest discussion of the impacts of large dams is needed.
[To add your name, contact us at coordinator.namra@gmail.com.]
•Oppose the construction of new transmission links designed to bring dirty hydro power from Canada. These proposed corridors include the Atlantic Link, New England Clean Energy Connect, Champlain Hudson Power Express, and the New England Clean Power Link. Send comments to regulators, attend public hearings, write to your legislators, and write letters to the editor.
•Learn about the negative impacts of dam construction around the world by going to www.internationalrivers.org.
•Promote energy efficiency and conservation at home. Encourage thinking about how we can use less energy, rather than looking for a mythical “pollution free” source.
•Advocate for public transportation; job creation that will allow people to live closer to their places of work; and work to build interconnected, low-energy-consuming, resilient and self-reliant communities at home.
•Identify potential allies in the legislature, in town governments, in environmental or advocacy organizations, and journalists. Educate your friends and neighbors.
•Join our Alliance: stay up to date on Muskrat Falls and other developments, legislative issues on energy, and upcoming events around the region. Contact us at coordinator.namra@gmail.com.