Apr. 8—AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers have rejected a proposal to extend a conservation easement on Sears Island to include the proposed site of an industrial wind port.
The Senate voted 24-9 Monday to kill a bill that would have extended the easement held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust that currently protects about two-thirds of the 940-acre island by adding the rest of it — about 330 acres owned by the state.
The House voted 76-68 against the bill earlier this month.
Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, who co-chairs the committee that had recommended against Senate passage of the bill, told colleagues that the state originally purchased the island for its potential development as a port, and that option should remain available, even though the proposed wind project is stalled because of a lack of funding.
“I would very much like to ask you to preserve this state asset for future, not current, development, recognizing that two-thirds of the island has been placed in permanent conservation easement and is open and available for enjoyment, for birding, for walking and for other possibilities,” Tepler said.
Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, spoke in favor of the bill, saying extending the easement is important to preserving the island and its natural resources.
“Losing this space to industrial development, which I do believe would happen even if only one-third of the island is destroyed, would be stripping away a treasured recreational destination that has served generations of Maine residents,” Grohoski said.
LD 226 was introduced earlier this year by Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport. Paul said at the time that the state’s efforts to construct a wind port represented a waste of taxpayer funds and that the island, which is located off the coast of Searsport, is better suited as a hiking and kayaking destination that draws tourists.
The state announced in February 2024 that Sears Island was its preferred site for a wind port to build, assemble and maintain floating offshore wind turbines hundreds of feet tall and applied that May for $456 million in federal funding for the project.
Federal officials rejected the state’s application last fall, but Maine has said it would pursue other opportunities to secure funding.
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