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The headline “Sears Island picked as site for offshore wind port” screamed from the front page of the Bangor Daily News on Feb. 22. It is impossible to understand how people who supposedly have the benefit of Maine foremost in their thoughts can have made that decision. A decision that could destroy the largest undeveloped island left in Penobscot Bay.
Protesters are not saying don’t build the port — they are saying do it 400 hundred yards to the southwest at Mack Point with an eye to saving an area treasure!
At a recent news conference, several powerful groups spoke. Labor unions, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Conservation Voters and Maine Audubon — and I believe they all failed to stand up and take a strong position to save Sears, hiding behind generic statements.
How much of a difference would it have made in the final decision if these groups had stood up for Sears Island? Moot point — we will never know because they did not!
Do they not see the harm that is going to happen? Or are they just afraid of being on the “losing side” if they take a strong, responsible stand for the protection of Sears Island?
I am horribly disappointed by, and in fact will no longer support, the conservation organizations who I believe missed their chance to do the right thing and step up to the plate to fight for the beautiful habitat for people and wildlife alike that is Sears Island.
I hope other disillusioned supporters of these groups that failed to stand up will follow my lead.
Sue Shaw
Penobscot
