Points to Efficiency Maine announcement on fast charging EV stations as a positive step
NRCM news release
Augusta, ME – Below is a statement from NRCM’s Climate and Clean Energy Director Dylan Voorhees on an announcement yesterday that nine Northeast and mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia signed a landmark agreement to curb pollution from transportation. In Maine, and throughout the Northeast, emissions from the transportation sector are the largest and fastest growing source of carbon pollution.
“The Natural Resources Council of Maine congratulates the states in our region that have worked together to sign a concrete agreement that will curb dangerous carbon pollution from cars and trucks. We look forward to Maine re-engaging with this regional initiative under Governor-elect Janet Mills, who has made combatting climate change and increasing clean energy a top priority.
“Today, cars and trucks produce more than half of Maine’s climate pollution. Despite being one of the original states that participated in the regional Transportation and Climate Initiative, Maine has not been at the table for the past eight years. If Maine wants to reap the full benefits from a cooperative approach to lowering fuel costs and reducing pollution, we need a seat at the table.
“We are encouraged that Maine is taking steps forward in other ways, notably to help accelerate the transition to electric cars and trucks. This week Efficiency Maine announced an award to install and manage seven fast-charging stations in 2019 along the Maine Turnpike and several state highways. These super-fast charging stations can charge some electric cars in as fast as fifteen minutes. Increased availability of public charging stations has been shown to increase public interest in buying electric cars, which provide substantial benefits to drivers and our overall economy and environment.”
