Governor Calls for Aggressive Renewable Energy Development

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today joined Portland Mayor Nicholas Mavodones, fishermen and others at an event to urge for passage of federal clean energy and climate legislation. The event, sponsored by Repower Maine, was held at the Ocean Gateway overlooking the Casco Bay, an important commercial, fishing, tourism and recreational site.

"Dependence on unstable foreign energy is dangerous for our economy, environment and national security," said Governor Baldacci. "In Maine, we are proud to lead the way toward a new energy future. This is a vital step that holds the promise of a more stable and secure energy supply that is renewable and homegrown, creating jobs right here in our State."

The Governor said Maine has taken aggressive steps to reduce use of fossil fuels and to build a foundation for development of clean, renewable energy. He praised the Maine Legislature, Maine's Congressional Delegation and the President for providing leadership in the pursuit of alternative energy.

"We have aggressively been building on innovative leadership and public-private partnerships to set achievable goals through renewable energy development," said the Governor. "This includes using scarce resources to leverage significant investments in energy efficiency, weatherization and conservation. This will save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will make Maine companies more competitive."

Last year the Legislature passed the Governor's comprehensive energy package, An Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future, which establishes the goal to reduce the State's consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030.

Late yesterday, the Utilities and Energy Committee gave unanimous support for the bill LD 1810, the Governor's bill to implement the recommendations of the his Ocean Energy Task Force.

"We have the energy resources -- in our wind, wood, water and with solar power -- to break away from the crippling dependency on costly foreign oil," said the Governor. "We have also received great support from President Obama and our entire Maine Congressional Delegation to get potential projects moving quickly so that we can achieve our goals to make Maine safer, more economically and environmentally secure, and grow good paying jobs right here at home."

The Governor also recognized an important exercise being conducted in Portland related to test respond to a major oil spill. The drill brought together more than 600 local, State, federal and commercial partners for the training. The exercise began yesterday and is concluding today.

The Governor visited the training command center, based at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, following the renewable energy press conference. He thanked the participants and recognized the important work being conducted.

"This partnership and the preparation of our government agencies are essential to ensure the safety of the public, our environment and our economy in the event of an oil spill in our waters," said the Governor.

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