By Sheila Dassatt
Mike and I decided to take a little Sunday ride to Blue Hill by way of Sedgwick for a scenic change. Along the way, by the blueberry fields, there were a series of signs that caught our interest. These signs said “this will effect all of us” and going a little further, one mentioned the blueberry fields and another with a town meeting date for August 14th.
With all of this talk about green energy, we wondered if this had to do with solar panels and our blueberry fields. So I looked it up and lo and behold, the threat is just that! The answer that I got with my research is this: “Yes, there are concerns about solar panel installations in Blue Hill, specifically regarding large-scale solar farms.” Some of the concerns include: 1. Land use: Large solar farms require significant land areas, potentially conflicting with agricultural uses, wildlife habitats, and scenic views. 2. Visual impact: Solar panels can alter the rural landscape and affect the town’s character. 3. Environmental concerns: Some residents worry about potential environmental impacts, such as soil disturbance and water pollution. 4. Local regulations: There is debate about the need for clearer regulations and guidelines for solar farm development in the area. In response to these concerns, the town of Blue Hill is working to develop solar ordinances and regulations that balance renewable energy goals with community concerns and environmental protection. These concerns affect the blueberry industry’s long-term viability and can also affect the harvesters. Blue Hill is known for its vibrant blueberry industry, with many local farms cultivating blueberries.
I feel that this is a concern that needs to be shared regarding the well-being of Downeast Maine and our natural resources. First, the fishing industry is facing the threat of windmills and how it is and will be affecting our fishery and our marine life. This is an on-going major concern for our marine industry and our future. Now, we are seeing the threat of solar panels in or around our blueberry fields. Pardon me, but what is next?!
I did a little more research about “bait and switch” and this is what I found: “In October of 2023, the Governor’s Energy Office requested funding from EPA to establish a statewide ”Solar for All” program. The proposal was built on broad public engagement, incorporating direct outreach to key stakeholders and opportunities for public comment as well as national best practices to overcome barriers to accessing affordable solar. Maine’s proposal sought to support workforce development opportunities that ensure quality clean energy jobs particularly for people in disadvantaged communities, siting and permitting assistance for communities to support responsible solar and energy storage permitting, and staff technical support to improve access and remove barriers to these clean energy resources.
Now, what I am driving at is the fact that this is being offered first to our Maine citizens, not realizing the sacrifice that will come with it. This is an awareness that is important to all of us that make a living in this beautiful State of Maine. I don’t really think or believe that “us Mainers” are totally aware of what these sacrifices really are and what it means to us in the long run. This is being proposed as something for “disadvantaged communities” and will provide jobs for the people that live in these areas. What about the well-being of those of us that will be making the sacrifice so this can all be put into place?
Who are the stake holders in this endeavor? This is all grant money that comes from our Federal government, which in reality is our tax money. Nothing comes for free and a price has to be paid in the long run.
Federal Funding: “On June 28, 2023, the EPA released a Notice of Funding Opportunity” for the Solar for All Program, a $7 billion funding opportunity as part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Entities eligible to apply for funding from EPA included States and Territories, Tribal.” So here ya go, here’s a lot of the facts behind all of these threats that we are facing just trying to maintain and save our livelihoods, especially in the Downeast sector of the state.
If we don’t have our harvesting industry which includes the harvesting of blueberries and lobsters, what do we have left in this area? We really need to pay attention to what is going on around us and stand up for ourselves. I’m glad that this is an election year (sort of) and you can still have time to talk to your representatives and folks that are running for office. We need the support and the extra help that is needed to keep our livelihoods and not be victims of the stake holders that are the ones making the money on all of this.
