Former Maine Gov Who Pushed Wind Power on State Becomes Vice Chair of 2nd Largest Wind Company in US

Former Maine Governor John Baldacci, Creator of Maine's 2008 Heinous Emergency Wind Law and now Vice Chairman of Iberdrola Company Avangrid, the Second Largest Wind Company in the United States (Since December 2015)

 
 
Moreover, the state legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee is presently working on a bill, LD 1513, An Act To Clarify Laws Relating to Affiliate Ownership of Electric Generation, that would arguably undo a longstanding law that forbids companies which own transmission (like Iberdrola) from owning generation (like Iberdola's Avangrid). It can be noted that upon his return from a European trade mission in September of 2009, where he met with Iberdrola, Baldacci talked about the need to change the law. http://www.rechargenews.com/business_area/politics/article192595.ece
 
The emergency wind legislation Baldacci introduced in 2008 became the law that has made possible the extraordinary profusion of industrial wind factories in a state where outdoors tourism is a major industry. It is a state which Gov Baldacci himself repeatedly praised for its "Quality of Place". The legislation, perhaps the most transformative legislation in the state's history, was never debated by the legislature.
 

Gov Baldacci's Order Establishing the Governor's Task Force on Wind Power Development in Maine

May 8, 2007

31 FY 06/07

WHEREAS, Maine energy policy seeks to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources to help reduce Maine’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, provide economic development, and promote security; and

WHEREAS, scientists have concluded that increases in greenhouse gas levels, including but not limited to carbon dioxide, are resulting in worldwide climate change; and

WHEREAS, wind power does not generate greenhouses gases and is broadly viewed as having fewer environmental impacts than other forms of electrical power generation; and

WHEREAS, wind power is the fastest growing utility-scale source of renewable energy in the world; and

WHEREAS, Maine has the highest wind potential of any New England state and ranks 19th in terms of wind potential in the United States as a whole; and

WHEREAS, wind power development can provide short term and long term economic and employment benefits for Maine citizens; and

WHEREAS, the State’s wind resources occur in various areas of the State that may have important ecological, natural resource, remote resource, and other values that are important to Maine people that can lead to conflict regarding the siting of wind power facilities; and

WHEREAS, Maine could become a leader in New England in the development of wind power if a comprehensive approach is pursued that involves guidelines that direct wind power toward appropriate locations; well-designed and efficient regulations; the protection of areas where wind power is not appropriate; and collaboration among state agencies, wind power developers, interested parties, and the public.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby establish the Governor’s Task Force on Wind Power Development in Maine.

Purpose and Duties

The purpose and duties of the Task Force shall be to:

  1. Examine the regulatory process and review criteria by which wind power projects currently are evaluated in Maine, identify barriers to wind power development and compare Maine’s policies with approaches used in other jurisdictions;
  2. Identify and recommend any changes deemed beneficial for assuring that Maine has a balanced, efficient and appropriate regulatory framework for evaluating wind power projects. Changes might include, but are not limited to, updating statutory and regulatory review criteria, technology-specific wind power siting guidelines, opportunities for streamlined permitting for certain categories of wind power projects and the use of negotiated settlement tools for resolving conflicts;
  3. Propose policy changes that would help facilitate the development of wind power in Maine and establish a lead agency for tracking wind power generated in Maine, monitoring technological advances in wind power generation and providing educational materials regarding wind power;
  4. Examine and make appropriate recommendations regarding Federal, State and local programs and financing options available to assist in the development of wind power projects;
  5. Identify a range of options, benefits and incentives that might be available to communities that are affected by wind power projects;
  6. Create guidelines and related information that would assist wind power developers in identifying areas in the State of Maine that are more appropriate for wind power development, and avoiding areas that are not appropriate for wind power development, due to legal, natural resource or public value constraints; and
  7. Propose goals for installed wind power in Maine for 2010 and 2020, provide an estimate of the economic and emission-reduction benefits of achieving such goals and suggest strategies to attain those goals. To fulfill these duties, the Task Force shall collaborate and coordinate with the Land Use Regulation Commission, the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Governor, members of the Maine Legislature and other interested members of the public. The establishment of this Task Force is not intended to delay or interfere with wind power projects that are already in the permitting process. Membership The Governor shall appoint 16 members to the Task Force. One member shall be the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation, or his designee; one member shall be the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, or his designee; one member shall be the Director for the Office of Energy Independence and Security; one member shall be the Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or his designee; and one member shall be the Director of the State Planning Office or her designee. The remaining appointments shall include diverse members with relevant knowledge and experience in wind power development, land use and conservation policies and regulation, renewable energy policies, electricity and transmission policies and infrastructure, natural resource and remote recreation values, and environmental impacts from electrical power generation. The President of the Senate may appoint two members of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House may appoint two members of the House of Representatives. Members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority. The Governor shall appoint the chair of the task force from among the members. The chair will schedule, set the agenda for, and preside at Task Force meetings. Staff Staff support to the Task Force will be provided by the Land Use Regulation Commission, the State Planning Office, Department of Environmental Protection, and other state agencies as needed. The members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Report The Task Force shall submit its recommendations to the Governor no later than January 15, 2008, after which the Task Force will dissolve. Effective Date The effective date of this Executive Order is May 8, 2007.

John E. Baldacci, Governor

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov_Executive_O...

An Executive Order Establishing the Ocean Energy Task Force

November 7, 2008

20 FY 08/09

WHEREAS, Maine has a strong interest in developing Maine’s vast indigenous and renewable ocean energy potential and recognizes its enormous promise to address state and regional energy-related needs, including: increasing the State’s energy independence and security; limiting Maine’s vulnerability to the unpredictable costs and possibly supplies of fossil fuels; attaining the state’s overall goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to sustainable levels by mid-century and of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s ("RGGI") CO2 reduction targets; and stimulating and growing diverse and vibrant ocean energy-related economic opportunities; and

WHEREAS, information prepared by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (“NREL”) and Minerals Management Service ("MMS") shows that the Gulf of Maine is a world-class wind power resource, which the Ocean Energy Institute estimates could equal around 100,000 MW (100 Gigawatts) of theoretical electric capacity, an amount that is 3 times larger than the total current installed capacity in New England; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s 2007 Task Force on Wind Power Development found that Maine can become a leader in wind power development while protecting Maine’s quality of place and natural resources, and that Maine should seek to host at least 2,000 megawatts (MW) of installed wind power capacity by 2015, and at least 3,000 by 2020, of which at least 300 MW can be achieved with projects built offshore; and

WHEREAS, the fuel price from offshore wind power, tidal power and wave power is low and steady, enabling long term contracts with these clean sources of electricity at stable prices, as distinguished from generation of electricity from fossil fuels, whose prices fluctuate widely; and

WHEREAS, wind power is the fastest growing utility-scale source of energy in the United States and internationally, and offshore wind is the fastest growing component of the wind energy segment; and

WHEREAS, improvements in turbines and related wind technologies, with support from federal renewable energy tax credits, are now making wind energy competitive in many markets with conventional power source; and

WHEREAS, ongoing technological developments hold promise that wind power, and to a lesser extent tidal and wave power, can also come to play a vital role in addressing transportation and home heating needs as well as traditional electric power demands; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s universities and independent research institutions provide the specialized research and development capabilities, and established marine construction firms provide the required industrial infrastructure, vital to support a robust offshore wind energy industry; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine has the highly-skilled and productive workforce, developed waterfront industry, and hospitable business climate to serve as a national center for offshore wind energy development; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's 2007 Task Force on Wind Power Development recognized the potential for ocean-based wind energy development to contribute to achievement of state wind energy and related economic development goals, called attention to significant technological, financial and knowledge-based challenges and, to that end, recommended follow-up actions requiring heightened collaborative efforts among several partners including federal regulatory agencies; and

WHEREAS, subsequent to completion of the work of the Governor's 2007 Task Force on Wind Power Development, Congress did not extend the long-standing moratorium on oil and gas development on the nation's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Mineral Management Service is moving forward with its program for leasing OCS areas for alternative energy development and initiation of a new five-year plan for OCS oil and gas development; and

WHEREAS, information prepared by the MMS indicates that the Gulf of Maine does not appear to have significant commercially recoverable oil and natural gas reserves, while it does hold a significant potential for large-scale development of wind power, the development of which would help the state achieve its interrelated energy, environmental and economic goals; and

WHEREAS, Congress is likely to take up legislation this session pertaining to offshore oil and gas leasing, exploration, and development for federal waters, making it essential that Maine fully explore and understand the resource as well as the risks and benefits of harnessing that resource;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby establish the Ocean Energy Task Force (hereinafter "Task Force").

Purpose and Duties

The Task Force is established to develop a strategy aimed at meeting or exceeding the goal established in the Maine Energy Act, Title 35-A, section 3404(2)(B), for ocean-based wind energy capacity as expeditiously as practicable, including a specific plan of action for implementation of that strategy. This strategy shall identify and recommend solutions to overcome potential economic, technical, regulatory, and other obstacles to vigorous and expeditious development of grid-scale wind energy generation facilities in Maine's coastal waters and adjacent federal waters. In developing the strategy, the Task Force shall consider and make recommendations regarding the following:

A. Technological Development: research and testing to facilitate siting of offshore wind generation facilities.

  1. The merits of and options for establishing an ocean-based testing area in the Gulf of Maine to foster and expedite research and development of offshore wind energy facilities in a manner that addresses potential siting issues; and,

  2. Specific research and development initiatives critical to facilitating siting of ocean-based wind energy generation facilities at appropriate locations in the Gulf of Maine, with due consideration of natural resources and existing uses.

B. Wind Power-related Economic Development: fostering in-state growth of diverse wind energy-related businesses.

  1. Options, including public-private partnerships, for facilitating financing and/or siting and operation of offshore, grid-scale wind energy generation facilities located at appropriate locations on the Outer Continental Shelf proximate to Maine and built at a scale commensurate with the State's wind power and related renewable energy objectives, pertinent electric power demand, demand for wind assisted heating and transportation, and the available wind resource; and

  2. Specific opportunities and means to facilitate creation of economic development clusters related to construction and operation of ocean-based wind development, manufacturing of wind generation-related components, provision of engineering and other professional services and basic and applied scientific research, and other enterprises to support growth of a diverse wind energy industry in Maine.

C. Tidal and Wave Power: encouraging ocean-based tidal and wave energy development where appropriate.

  1. Compile existing information on potential locations in Maine's coastal waters for tidal and wave power generation and the primary technical, economic and natural resources-related constraints on their development; and

  2. Identify ways in which the State can support continued research and development of tidal and wave power at ocean sites compatibly with Maine's overall energy, economic, and environmental goals and existing uses, including commercial fishing.

D. Potential Oil and Gas Exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf: updating information regarding offshore oil and gas resources and evaluating federal initiatives regarding exploration for oil and gas in the Outer Continental Shelf.

  1. Compile objective, credible and scientific information on the offshore oil and gas resource, including: the latest technologies available for oil and gas exploration and extraction; the adverse environmental risks associated with development of this resource; the economic benefits Maine people would likely realize from developing this resource; the compatibility of offshore oil and gas exploration with development of the offshore wind power resource and existing uses, including commercial fishing; and the compatibility of developing this resource with Maine’s overall energy, economic and environmental goals; and,

  2. Identify ways in which state agencies can ensure well-informed and effective state participation in federal decision-making regarding energy development of both renewable and fossil fuel resources on OCS areas proximate to Maine.

Membership

The Governor shall appoint seventeen (17) members to serve on the Task Force, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Membership is as follows:

  • Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, or Commissioner’s designee;
  • Commissioner of the Department of Conservation, or Commissioner's designee;
  • Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources, or Commissioner's designee;
  • Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development or Commissioner’s Designee;
  • Director, Office of Energy Independence and Security or Director’s designee;
  • Director, State Planning Office or Director's designee;
  • Eleven (11) members shall include diverse members with relevant knowledge and experience in technological, engineering, financing and regulatory issues regarding ocean wind energy generation; marine resources management and conservation; and potential natural resources and environmental effects of wind energy generation.

The President of the Senate may appoint a member of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House may appoint two members of the House of Representatives. Members appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

The Governor shall appoint two co-chairs of the Task Force from among the members. The chairs will schedule and set the agenda for, and preside at Task Force meetings. The members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation.

Staff

The State Planning Office, the Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security, the Department of Conservation through the Maine Geological Survey and the Bureau of Public Lands and the Department of Economic and Community Development shall provide staff assistance to the Task Force. At the Task Force's request, other state agencies shall provide information and analysis to assist the Task Force in its deliberations.

Reporting

The Task Force shall prepare a written report to the Governor outlining its interim findings no later than April 1, 2009. The Task Force shall prepare a written report of its final recommendations to the Governor, including any recommended legislation, by October 31, 2009.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is November 7, 2008.

John E. Baldacci, Governor

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov_Executive_O...

"Maine's Ruling Family" - Baldacci and former US Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell are Second Cousins

http://www.workingwaterfrontarchives.org/2007/08/01/maines-ruling-f...

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Comment by Paul Ackerman on February 11, 2016 at 11:51am

working on the Part 3 article today--have to finish by tonight-- this post is timely,perfect.

The refresh my notes: Baldacci introduced the legislation in 2007,as above,but what was the reason for his 2009 trip to Europe to hob-nob with Iberdrola ? Seems he alreeady had done their bidding in 2007-8 and the 2009 trip is moot by then?

Comment by Paul Ackerman on February 4, 2016 at 8:44pm

stay tuned.....

Comment by Penny Gray on February 4, 2016 at 5:39pm

Paul Ackerman, if you could write part 3, that would be amazing.  People really have no idea what's going on.

Comment by Paul Ackerman on February 4, 2016 at 1:34pm

See my previous two articles (last spring) in the Courier Gazette papers on Plantation Maine.

Reading these most recent posts I think I should do a part 3 article instead of the scheduled explanation of Hillary's ethical challenges.

Paul Ackerman

Comment by arthur qwenk on February 4, 2016 at 11:40am

Crony Capitalism at its finest in one of the most corrupt states in the nation.

Comment by arthur qwenk on February 4, 2016 at 11:37am

It is most fitting that many in Maine call the wind push  perpetrators "The Wind Mafia", headed by Baldacci.

Comment by Long Islander on February 4, 2016 at 11:20am

I believe the ocean wind isn't likely given the slowly emerging truth about things green and the rapidly growing trillions in debt. There seemed to be a time when wind warriors concerned mostly about land based wind were lulled into complacency that the wind "industry" was picking up its bat and ball and going offshore. I think this week's bids turning northern New England into "Area 51" tells us for certain that the clear and present danger is on the ridges.

Comment by Penny Gray on February 4, 2016 at 11:09am

As far as the Ocean Energy Task Force goes, things just got a little more complicated.  Feds just listed the entire Gulf of Maine as critical right whale habitat.  This will make filling the gulf with wind turbines that emit low frequency sound a very delicate subject.  http://bangordailynews.com/2016/01/31/news/midcoast/feds-expand-cri...

Comment by Thinklike A. Mountain on February 4, 2016 at 1:23am

Paul, here's where MPBN was - including a conversation with Gov Baldacci.

http://video.mpbn.net/video/1641658515/

http://video.mpbn.net/video/1652940404/

Comment by Monique Aniel Thurston on February 3, 2016 at 10:36pm

 

Maine as Third World Country:

CMP Transmission Rate Skyrockets 19.6% Due to Wind Power

 

Click here to read how the Maine ratepayer has been sold down the river by the Angus King cabal.

Maine Center For Public Interest Reporting – Three Part Series: A CRITICAL LOOK AT MAINE’S WIND ACT

******** IF LINKS BELOW DON'T WORK, GOOGLE THEM*********

(excerpts) From Part 1 – On Maine’s Wind Law “Once the committee passed the wind energy bill on to the full House and Senate, lawmakers there didn’t even debate it. They passed it unanimously and with no discussion. House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, a Democrat from North Haven, says legislators probably didn’t know how many turbines would be constructed in Maine if the law’s goals were met." . – Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, August 2010 https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/wind-power-bandwagon-hits-bumps-in-the-road-3/From Part 2 – On Wind and Oil Yet using wind energy doesn’t lower dependence on imported foreign oil. That’s because the majority of imported oil in Maine is used for heating and transportation. And switching our dependence from foreign oil to Maine-produced electricity isn’t likely to happen very soon, says Bartlett. “Right now, people can’t switch to electric cars and heating – if they did, we’d be in trouble.” So was one of the fundamental premises of the task force false, or at least misleading?" https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/wind-swept-task-force-set-the-rules/From Part 3 – On Wind-Required New Transmission Lines Finally, the building of enormous, high-voltage transmission lines that the regional electricity system operator says are required to move substantial amounts of wind power to markets south of Maine was never even discussed by the task force – an omission that Mills said will come to haunt the state.“If you try to put 2,500 or 3,000 megawatts in northern or eastern Maine – oh, my god, try to build the transmission!” said Mills. “It’s not just the towers, it’s the lines – that’s when I begin to think that the goal is a little farfetched.” https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/flaws-in-bill-like-skating-with-dull-skates/

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Hannah Pingree on the Maine expedited wind law

Hannah Pingree - Director of Maine's Office of Innovation and the Future

"Once the committee passed the wind energy bill on to the full House and Senate, lawmakers there didn’t even debate it. They passed it unanimously and with no discussion. House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, a Democrat from North Haven, says legislators probably didn’t know how many turbines would be constructed in Maine."

https://pinetreewatch.org/wind-power-bandwagon-hits-bumps-in-the-road-3/

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