Study analyzes Maine wind power benefits

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — An environmental group says power generation from Maine wind farms is eliminating more than 400,000 metric tons of carbon pollution a year.

Environment Maine on Wednesday released a report that analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Energy and the wind industry to measure the environmental benefits from wind turbines operating in Maine.

The report says the turbines reduce carbon dioxide output by 403,000 metric tons a year, equivalent to the pollution from 79,000 vehicles. It further says the wind farms also reduce the output of smog- and soot-forming pollutants, while saving 155 million gallons of water annually.

The group released the analysis to support its position in favor of extending federal tax credits for wind energy that are set to expire at the end of the year.