Website boasts ‘credible’ wind info

    The Maine Renewable Energy Association (MREA) announced that it launched the first and only online resource for wind power information in Maine, www.windforme.org. 
    The site is a clearinghouse for information about wind power in Maine, with resources provided to all those interested in the development of the industry and its growing role as an energy resource. The site is coordinated by MREA, in collaboration with and input from individuals and organizations focused on economic development, environmental sustainability, public health, and community advancement.
    “We’re excited to launch this website in order to provide the people of Maine with credible, current, and detailed information on wind power in Maine,” said MREA Executive Director Jeremy Payne. 
    “This is truly the first and only information resource where visitors will find updated information on the industry, studies, media stories, and additional educational materials,“ remarked Payne.
    “We believe wind power – and all renewable energy – provides critical environmental attributes through greenhouse gas reductions and emissions benefits, and significant economic benefits seen through approximately $750 million of capital investment to date. Wind is part of the answer for Maine moving itself away from its overreliance on fossil fuels, and towards a truly sustainable, secure energy future.”
    Maine’s wind industry has generated thousands of jobs and brought $283 million to the state so far in wages, taxes and land conservation programs. It provides support for basic infrastructure such as ports, engineering and environmental firms, and transportation companies. More than 300 companies, located across Maine and involved in a wide range of industries, have benefitted from wind development.
    “Reed & Reed is just one of many companies that has greatly benefitted from the development of wind energy in Maine. We’re pleased to continue to partner with companies in Maine and beyond – as we’ve said all along, our company is living proof that this industry does bring real and long-lasting economic benefits to Maine people,” said Jack Parker, CEO of Reed & Reed, a Woolwich-based contractor.
    A spring 2010 survey found that 88 percent of Mainers support wind energy development, because it addresses so many of our economic, environmental and energy independence concerns. More information about the role of wind energy in Maine is available online at www.windforme.org.