Letter: Let’s stay positive on offshore wind

I urge everyone to continue to support the leaders who are working daily to ensure this industry evolves to the economic, energy and environmental benefit of all Mainers.

Election Night 2024 generated a mix of reactions in Mainers, including celebration, grief and uncertainty about the future. Out of this boiling pot of emotion came voices of hope, determination and opportunity. Vice President Harris delivered a positive message to young people. Gov. Mills pledged to work with the new Trump administration. For his part, President-Elect Trump promised to fight for a strong, safe and prosperous America for all citizens. Many folks unloaded on social media before brushing it off and turning back to their daily lives and joys.

Imagine my surprise that Bowdoin economics professor David Vail would use the moment to pen an op-ed on the demise of an emerging industry poised to create jobs, strengthen communities, combat climate change and provide clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses (“Trump administration could snuff out offshore wind,” Nov. 7). His self-proclaimed “gloomy assessment” is an unfortunate and ill-timed shot at the years – no, decades – of work and progress to bring offshore wind to Maine. Maine communities and businesses are already seeing the impacts of climate change, and the need to address it isn’t measured in four-year increments. Offshore wind is a generational opportunity – and need – for Maine, and that won’t change in a few short years.

I urge everyone to continue to support the academic, business, government, marine and fishery and science leaders who are working daily to ensure this industry evolves to the economic, energy and environmental benefit of all Mainers, no matter who is sitting in the White House.

Jeff Marks
Portland