Governor's Statement on Upcoming Visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu

Statement

Governor John E. Baldacci today learned during a phone call from Senator Susan Collins that United States Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu will be visiting the University of Maine's Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center on June 14.

"I am pleased that Secretary Chu will see firsthand the groundbreaking work on alternative energy being conducted by Dr. Habib Dagher and the other scientists at the Center," said Governor Baldacci. "The federal government has been very supportive of the deepwater wind project, and has been a real partner in Maine's efforts to develop a more stable and secure energy supply that is renewable and will create jobs here in Maine."

"I'm proud of the aggressive steps we have taken in Maine to show what is possible," said the Governor. "Maine is particularly well-placed to be a leader in offshore wind energy generation due to favorable geography, broad-based support including public-private partnerships and the technological and workforce strengths that the State has built."

Secretary Chu was invited to the facility by Senator Collins.

"I appreciate the work of Senator Collins and the other members of the Maine Congressional delegation - Senator Snowe, Representative Michaud and Representative Pingree - for their steadfast support of Maine's efforts to develop renewable energy," said the Governor.

The Governor met with the President and Secretary Chu in Washington, D.C., in February to discuss wind energy.

The June visit will be the second by a federal Cabinet member made to the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center in the past year. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visited the Center in August 2009.

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