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Maine has to make the transition to green energy, and I believe that it’s going to happen.
But it’s not enough to just build new sources of electricity, such as offshore wind turbines. We have to build them in a way that makes sure that Maine workers benefit and that our communities are taken care of.
With the state’s decision to recommend Sears Island as the site of a new port facility to build our offshore wind energy, I’m excited about the prospects of the work that will come.
I’m a proud iron worker and a member of Local 7. The job opportunities that will come to Maine are important to the future of our state. I have two daughters, Yaneli and Aaliyah. Our state’s future will be better for them, and I will be in a better position to take care of them when these jobs come.
Growing a new offshore wind industry on our coast will create good, union jobs — the kind with benefits — that create a path to the middle class for thousands of people.
Tradesmen and working people can stay closer to home and their families, and build their lives in the places they love.
It’s important that we do all we can to fight climate change, and the truth is we’re going to switch to new sources of power one way or another. It’s time that Maine benefit from that change.
I’m excited about what a new port and offshore wind will mean to my community and to my family.
Yanel Greene
Bangor