Behind closed doors and in debate, Republican Minority Leader Ken Fredette let the attack on the most significant solar energy measure Maine has ever seen. By Sam Zuckerman, owner, Maine Solar Solutions in Portland Portland Press Herald op-ed April 29th was a dark day for solar energy in Maine. It was the day that an Read More
solar
The Six Republican ‘Walkers’ Who Killed Maine’s Solar Bill
By Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, is the House majority leader Bangor Daily News op-ed This legislative session, we could have passed a historic solar bill into law. But too many House Republicans caved in to their leaders and the governor, throwing away that opportunity and all the jobs that would have come with it. LD Read More
South Portland Considers Zoning Changes to Promote, Regulate Solar Arrays
If the City Council approves the amendments, the city will become a model for other Maine communities and join a growing number of U.S. cities that have taken similar steps. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — City planning officials have proposed sweeping zoning changes that would both promote Read More
Opportunity Lost as GOP Thwarts Job-creating Solar Energy Bill
By Sen. Dawn Hill Seacoast Online news story It’s not every day that Maine has an opportunity to take the lead in a growing industry, create and sustain jobs for its people, lower energy costs and fight climate change. We seized that opportunity in 2008, when the Legislature passed changes to the Wind Energy Act Read More
Lawmakers Uphold LePage Veto, Killing Bill to Boost Solar Energy
Two votes in the House and a determined lobbying effort by supporters fail to generate enough support to pass the measure. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — House lawmakers upheld Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a closely watched solar energy bill Friday in a blow to supporters who argued Read More
Solar Bill Offers Right Answers for Maine
The arguments against a modernization of the state’s clean energy market do not pass the test. Portland Press Herald editorial It’s easy to tear apart a complicated piece of legislation by latching onto a few details and blowing them out of proportion. But lawmakers who are considering voting to sustain Gov. LePage’s veto of L.D. Read More
Override the Veto So Maine Can Benefit from Modern Solar Policy
Legislators who helped craft a bipartisan, broad-based energy deal ask their colleagues to reaffirm their support. by David Woodsome and Sara Gideon Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — When we truly listen to one another, we can accomplish so much. That’s exactly what happened with the comprehensive solar bill the governor vetoed this week. Here Read More
Overriding This LePage Veto Will Put Solar Within Reach for More Mainers
By Norman Higgins and Sara Gideon, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A technological revolution is taking place in solar power. As solar panel technology matures, prices plummet, installation rates accelerate and new markets and businesses spring up. But Maine hasn’t benefited as much from this exciting trend as other states, even neighbors Read More
LePage Vetoes Solar Energy Bill After Compromise Talks Fail
Advocates will push for an override vote Friday in the Legislature. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a landmark solar energy bill Wednesday, after failed attempts by Democratic leadership to reach a compromise during extensive negotiations. Solar advocates now plan to press lawmakers to override the veto Read More
