It’s been a long time coming, but Yarmouth-based Endless Energy has finally presented its plans to build a string of electricity-generating wind mills along two mountain ridges in Franklin County.

The company has been working for more than seven years on its proposal to develop a string of turbines along Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain. Endless Energy, working with new partner Edison Mission Group to form Maine Mountain Power, submitted a 1,600-page application to the Land Use Regulation Commission Monday. The document outlines to LURC exactly what the company is proposing; it’s up to LURC to determine if the development is appropriate.

We hope that LURC will take a good, hard look at the details of the windmill plan and ultimately realize the potential the project holds for creating a clean-source energy.

According to Harvey Lee, president of Endless Energy, the sites on Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain were picked because they are near existing roads and powerlines and are good places to harness the the power generation capacity of the wind.

If approved, 30 large turbines would be built on the two ridge lines, which are about four miles west of the Sugarloaf ski area and eight miles south of Stratton. The turbines would have the capacity to generate about 250 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year, or enough to power about 44,000 homes. That’s power to replace 50,000 gallons of oil a day.

This winter, the state is suffering through a season of high oil prices. Emergency aid for low-income families is running out and there’s a real concern that some people could be put in danger during a cold snap. It’s imperative that state and local policymakers look to new, renewable sources of energy.

Opponents raise valid concerns about the wind mills, which are more than 300 feet tall. They would be visible from the Appalachian Trail and Sugerloaf, and some opponents don’t like the way they look and say they spoil the pristine nature of the area.

We disagree. The turbines would be a visual reminder that Maine takes renewable and clean energy production seriously. The project could remove as much as 800,000 pounds of pollution from the air, equal to 26,000 cars. As we’ve said before, we don’t think the turbines scar the environment and find the machines attractive.

Before the project is approved, we expect LURC to complete all due diligence. We’re not looking for a rubber stamp. We want to make sure that concerns about migratory birds and damage to animal habitat is considered, and that the developers have the wherewithal to complete their plans and live up to their obligations.

Once that’s happened, however, the state should find a way to capitalize on the enormous potential wind power holds. Worldwide energy uncertainty means Maine doesn’t have the luxury to wait.