Let’s stay positive about offshore wind

Election night 2024 elicited a mix of reactions from Mainers, including celebration, sadness and uncertainty about the future. From this boiling pot of emotion came voices of hope, determination and opportunity. Vice President Harris delivered a positive message to young people. Governor Mills promised to work with the new Trump administration. For his part, President-elect Trump promised to fight for a strong, secure and prosperous America for all citizens. Many people have exhausted themselves on social media before putting it aside and getting back to their daily lives and their joys.

Imagine my surprise that Bowdoin economics professor David Vail would take the opportunity to write an op-ed about the demise of an emerging industry poised to create jobs, strengthen communities, fight climate change and provide clean energy for to provide thousands of homes and businesses (“Trump “The government could shut down offshore wind,” November 7). His self-proclaimed “gloomy assessment” is an unfortunate and incongruous look back at years – nay, decades – of work and progress to bring offshore wind energy to Maine. Communities and businesses in Maine are already feeling the impacts of climate change, and the need to address it is not measured in four-year increments. Offshore wind power 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, fisheries and science leaders who work every day to ensure that this industry thrives for the economic, energy and environmental benefit of all Mainers, regardless who sits in the White House.

Jeff Marks
Portland