The power line proposal reported in the Sun Journal (Aug. 23) certainly never should be approved by any of Maine’s regulatory agencies. Contrary to the Massachusetts regulators and their Washington backers, it is not a necessary step to a carbon-free future.

Carl Sheline, chairman of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce champions the power line as a benefit, with Lewiston netting $5.5 million a year in taxes, while bringing more electricity to a region (Massachusetts) that has a power shortage on hot and cold days. Where is the trade-off he mentions, when it is the Maine woods being torn asunder while not receiving a single kilowatt of that power?

Recently, the people of Greenwood were called selfish for passing an ordinance blocking a proposed wind farm that would have sent electricity to Massachusetts while destroying the charm of their township.

I don’t know if members of the Northridge Group are residents of Massachusetts or not, but I am certain that many of that project’s investors are. Are they not equally selfish for preferring to tear up the backyards in other states rather than devastate Berkshire mountainsides in their own?

Massachusetts seeks more energy, so why don’t their conglomerates re-harness the numerous dams along the Connecticut, Westfield and Merrimack rivers and the many streams in that state, all of which (not so long ago) powered industries and electricity in scores of small communities along their banks.

Could it be that only we old-timers see better ways than wreaking havoc on the environment?

John R. Davis, South Paris

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