Governor Baldacci Calls Climate Change a Global Problem

Press Release

Governor Baldacci Calls Climate Change a Global Problem

Governor John E. Baldacci today opened the final day of the two-day Climate Change 21 public forum and environmental festival calling climate change one of the most serious challenges facing the planet.

"After the economic crisis passes, the climate crisis will still be with us," Governor Baldacci said. "Leaving it for future generations is not an option."

Governor Baldacci said that Maine has already begun to address the issue with the formation of the Governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security in 2003. At the time oil was selling for $20 a barrel. Since then, the price of oil has increased dramatically, but Maine has taken steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependency on foreign oil.

Maine was the first State to purchase 100 percent of its electricity from zero carbon renewable sources. A number of state buildings are heated with biodiesel and the State is preparing to experiment with a fuel made from wood wastes. Hybrid vehicles were purchased for the State fleet and State employees are driving fewer miles.

Governor Baldacci touted the State's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

"Maine, along with nine other States, is part of the nation's first cap and trade program meant to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases," the Governor said. "We hope that RGGI will soon serve as the template for an all-sector national cap and trade program."

The Governor applauded the nearly 70 businesses, municipalities and colleges and universities participating in the Governor's Carbon Challenge. The Governor said that greenhouse gas emission reductions by the participants have been impressive, including a 10 percent reduction at the University of Maine.

"We must be more aggressive in building our future - the foundation of which is clean, renewable, and home-grown energy," Governor Baldacci said. "Not only will this stem the flow of our hard-earned dollars from going out of State and out of the country, but it can grow jobs in Maine. We'll grow industries and jobs in the emerging environment and energy sectors and we'll build it all right here in Maine."

The Climate Change 21 public forum and environmental festival has featured panel discussions on a range of topics including the physical science behind climate change, the impact it will have on the environment, and the federal legislative point of view on the topic. The conference is scheduled to wrap-up Friday afternoon.

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