This summer, the Board of Environmental Protection held a hearing in response to a citizens’ petition requesting substantive changes to sound-level standards for wind energy developments.

Mainers are being harmed by the high, low and ultra-low frequency noises emitted by these massive wind turbines.

During the technical portion of the hearing, experts in medicine and acoustics testified for Mainers. The testimonies were based on actual, on-the-ground studies of wind turbines’ unique noises and the effects they have on humans.

In contrast, the wind lobby quoted industry-funded studies and used computer modeling.

Mainers traveled to Augusta at their own expense. Those testifying were reminded that the hearing was about sound, not about the controversial pros and cons of wind. Citizens stood up to testify about how turbine noise was harming their health and quality of life.

Officials from the wind lobby also spoke. Instead of about turbine noise, or concerns about the health and well-being of Mainers, these paid lobbyists talked about jobs.

The BEP’s response to the testimonies is available on its website. Sadly, it seems the government has given the wind industry preferential treatment over citizens. The "environment" that the board is supposed to protect, in this instance, consists of the people of Maine. Instead, the BEP has ensured that Mainers don’t become roadblocks to wind development.

It seems the powerful corporate wind lobby has triumphed again.

The formal decision will be made at the Augusta Civic Center on Sept. 15.

BEP? Or Board of Industry Protection?

Karen Bessey Pease, Lexington Township