The editorial on wind power (Jan. 25) deserves a response. What was presented as a savage blow to energy policy may instead be a wake-up call to policymakers. A 2004 report on wind power by the Maine Public Utilities Commission for the Legislature is, as I recall, 42 pages long and has 75 words allotted to offshore potential.

In a state with 3,500 miles of coast, I would think offshore generation of wind energy might warrant a somewhat closer look.

The wind energy issue should not be before the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission at this point. The Legislature and our congressional delegation, especially our senators, need to look more comprehensively at Maine’s energy needs and resources. LURC is courageous to say “no thank you.”

I hope they are saying it in order to refer the issue back to the PUC for a better assessment.

Harley Lee, of Endless Energy, has done the people of Maine a great service by pushing wind power. Should the Legislature ultimately designate offshore sites for development, I suggest they give the first 30 sites to him in recognition of the work he has done. The remaining 1,000, or whatever it will take to meet our future needs, can be auctioned with the proceeds going toward rate reduction for the consumer.

The savage blow can be the two-by-four the Legislature needed to be hit with to hear the word “comprehensive.”

James Tierney, Auburn