Bangor Daily News editorial After lawmakers last year failed to pass legislation to update the state’s rules around solar energy sales, the Maine Public Utilities Commission has adopted rules that are unworkable, will unnecessarily cost ratepayers millions of dollars, and do nothing to encourage needed development of solar energy resources in the state. Lawmakers again Read More
renewable energy
Portland Joins Climate Mayors in Support of Paris Accord
So far, 211 mayors representing 54 million Americans have joined the network, which pledges to uphold the goals of the worldwide agreement from which President Trump will withdraw. from staff report Portland Press Herald news story Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling announced Monday that Maine’s largest city will join the so-called Climate Mayors network in support Read More
Rural Maine Can’t Wait for Solar Energy
By Jason Tessier, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A critical first step toward building Maine’s next generation economy is passing effective solar energy policy during this legislative session. Solar power expansion goes hand in hand with job growth, energy independence, lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Maine legislators such as Democratic Read More
Kennebunk Utility Inks 20-year Deal to Build Solar Energy Array
By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story KENNEBUNK, Maine — The local utility Kennebunk Power and Light has signed a 20-year deal that’s designed to support construction of one of the state’s largest solar arrays in operation. The local utility district announced in a statement dated last week that it signed the Read More
My Thoughts on Tragic Trump Decision to Exit Paris Climate Agreement
President Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is a devastating blow to the nation and the planet, and could have dire consequences for the state of Maine. Just 18 months ago, the U.S. provided critical leadership in securing support from 194 other nations to participate in this voluntary action Read More
Rooftop Solar Bill Advances, but Republican Opposition Foreshadows Fight
The measure endorsed by the Legislature’s energy committee calls for a cost-benefit analysis of how utilities pay homeowners and small businesses for the electricity they generate. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that would keep current financial incentives for rooftop solar in place pending a cost-benefit study Read More
‘Tragic Mistake’: Maine Leaders React to Withdrawal From Paris Climate Accord
By A.J. Higgins, Susan Sharon & Mal Leary Maine Public news story The Trump administration’s decision Thursday to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement drew swift reaction from Maine environmental leaders — who denounced the action as a dangerous shift toward isolationism — and members of Maine’s congressional delegation, who were nearly unanimous in their Read More
Trump’s Climate Change Move Draws Sharp Reactions in Maine
by Steve Collins, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story Calling it “a devastating blow,” the head of the Natural Resources Council of Maine denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of an international climate agreement Thursday. Lisa Pohlmann, the environmental group’s executive director, said the move “could jeopardize global efforts to avert the most Read More
Legislature’s Energy Committee Passes Two Solar Bills after House Republicans Abandon Their Own Amendment
One bill directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar for businesses, communities Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee passed two bills: one directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar Read More
