PORTLAND (AP) – Opponents of the proposed Black Nubble Wind Farm near Sugarloaf USA want at least one member of the state’s Land Use Regulation Commission to step down from discussions of the project.

The eight-page complaint cites a call made by Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan to one member of the board after its preliminary vote last January against an earlier version of the plan.

McGowan is supposed to stay out of decisions by the seven-member commission, which is appointed by the governor to oversee zoning and land use in Maine’s unorganized territories.

The complaint also points to a series of e-mails and telephone conversations between members of the land use board and people advocating for the wind farm developer.

Assistant Attorney General Jerry Reid said he’s advising the commission on a proper response, which is expected Wednesday. Reid would not say whether any members will recuse themselves, or what other actions the board may take.

The complaint was sent to the land board Thursday by William Plouffe, a Portland lawyer who represents the wind farm’s opponents, Maine Audubon, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-09-18-07 1310EDT