I feel wind and solar power are good ways to curb the neverending, voracious appetite of the electricity-hungry people in our state and surrounding areas.

My family and I are doing our part to cut our dependence on non-renewable energy resources. We have been living off grid for a few years, relying on wind and solar power to meet our energy needs. We have found, with a few minor habit changes, we live just as normal and comfortable as the rest of the world.

Driving along highways in states with wind farms is breathtaking. To see all that technology standing tall and majestic, with giant blades slowly and silently turning in the breeze, is nothing less than spectacular. I know they are helping meet the needs of people, and not hurting the planet in anyway other than not being appealing to everyone.

Folks that use endless amounts of power, without giving any thought except to complain when the electric bill comes in, should consider where it’s coming from. The endless sucking dry of our fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources, and the endless pumping of pollutants into our water and air, contribute to pollution and the “greenhouse effect” we hear so much about.

Wind, solar and water power are our most feasible choices at this moment to lessen our dependence on local and foreign oil, nuclear energy and other non-renewable energy sources.

Are we worried about these safe sources of power at our disposal ruining the view? We don’t seem to care about the damage the other sources are doing to the planet. It’s a case of: “I know it’s happening, but as long as I can’t see it, I’m not going to do anything about it.”

It also feeds to the ceaseless complaining about the big oil companies. We hate the control they have over us. But given the chance to do something about it, however small, we back down and fall back to just complaining and not doing anything.

If every home and business in Maine would install solar panels – or a good windmill, if the area warrants it – and sold the power to the power companies, we could conceivably make Maine one large power generating plant, and could make the non-renewable power companies obsolete.

That’s a lot of rooftops doing nothing, and a lot of power potential. Big business won’t tell us these things. They want us to think the way we’re thinking now, so it keeps them in demand and control.

Rather than trying to save a view from a mountain top, that some day may be spoiled anyway, let me say this. When things get worse in the future when it comes to energy, does one really think government will honor land use laws if it sees some potential in our mountains? I don’t think so.

I’m not saying that the Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain should house a wind farm, but that they should not be ruled out just because they have a nice view.

I wish there were more people trying alternative ways to conserve natural resources, and then deciding for themselves if it’s the way of the future, instead of giving their opinion based on what they read or hear from others.

I think – and it’s my opinion only – Maine should be an example for other states to follow. People need to start being more independent, and not reliant on outside influences for their well-being.

It seems to me the only things Maine leads the country in is unemployment, low wages, high taxes and welfare. I would like to see that change.

This is my opinion, I welcome yours.

Norm Gauthier lives off the grid in Minot.