November 28, 2012

Study touts carbon benefits of Maine wind power

The report says the turbines reduce carbon dioxide output by 403,000 metric tons a year, equivalent to the pollution from 79,000 vehicles.

The Associated Press

PORTLAND — An environmental group says power generation from Maine wind farms is eliminating more than 400,000 metric tons of carbon pollution a year.

click image to enlarge

Wind turbines tower over the landscape at the Stetson wind farm in Danforth. The wind farm has 55 turbines.

Gregory Rec / Staff Photographer

Environment Maine on Wednesday released a report that analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Energy and the wind industry to measure the environmental benefits from wind turbines operating in Maine.

The report says the turbines reduce carbon dioxide output by 403,000 metric tons a year, equivalent to the pollution from 79,000 vehicles. It further says the wind farms also reduce the output of smog- and soot-forming pollutants, while saving 155 million gallons of water annually.

The group released the analysis to support its position in favor of extending federal tax credits for wind energy that are set to expire at the end of the year.

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…