Gov. Baldacci said the right things last week about energy.

Now, will he back that up with support for specific projects – some of them controversial – that could help reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels?

On Wednesday, the governor introduced an energy plan that places greater emphasis on alternative sources of energy: wind power and biodiesel fuels, among others. He also said he supports new efficiency standards for appliances that don’t already have them.

The goal is to increase the use of renewable energy by 10 percent over the next decade.

It’s a worthy goal, one that we support.

For the governor, however, it will mean eventually making difficult decisions about supporting particular energy-related projects. Right now there are two proposals to place large windmills along mountain ridges in western Maine. The projects have the potential to provide enough electricity for 44,000 homes.

The windmills, which would be visible from parts of the Appalachian Trail and several area ski resorts, have run into opposition from some environmentalists who say the project will industrialize wild lands and spoil the natural appeal of Maine’s western mountains.

Similarly, there are several proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals along Maine’s coast. Fears of environmental damage, opposition by neighbors and concern over safety have slowed the developments.

In the past, Baldacci has said that he, in general, supports the construction of an LNG terminal and an expansion of the wind-power industry in the state. But he adds the caveat, “where it’s appropriate.”

For the mountaintop windmills and LNG terminals to get over the hump of opposition could take the governor getting involved. But in an election year, choosing sides in a controversial issue that splits one of his natural constituencies – environmentalists – is tricky business.

Maine remains a leader in the promotion of energy efficiency. The governor and the Legislature have made good progress over the past three years. Some of the next big steps, however, are going to involve more risk than a biodiesel tax credit or increasing the efficiency standards of ceiling fans and torchiere lamps – both good ideas.

It’s going to mean taking sides in emotionally and politically charged debates that pit normal allies against one another.

Supporting the concept of wind farms is easy. They have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce dependency on oil and natural gas and to provide renewable energy that is locally produced.

What’s hard is fighting the battle to build a particular project.