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
renewable energy
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
5 Myths People Hold about Solar Power in Maine
By Sharon Klein, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Maine is poised to make history this week on solar energy. Over the last year, the Office of the Public Advocate has facilitated regular meetings of local businesses, public utility representatives, lawmakers, researchers and citizen action groups to recommend legislation for increasing solar energy Read More
Maine Would Benefit from Solar Power
Gov. LePage’s predictable veto of the genius of home solar net-metering legislation disrespects both science and the majority vote of the Legislature. It should be overridden unanimously. by Paul Liebow Sun Journal op-ed Mainers who can’t afford solar will benefit in the long run, not lose money, because unlimited harvesting of solar power will make Read More
Maine Should Be a Solar Energy Success Story
By Stanley Short Jr., Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The working men and working women of Maine inspire me every day. Our communities and our state are built on their ingenuity, determination and grit. Now there’s an opportunity for them to drive economic development through the production of Maine-made energy. It comes Read More
Jobs at Risk in Legislature’s Decision on Solar Energy Bill
In Pittsfield, a solar installer who has hired 10 local residents braces for the impact on his business, and maybe on his home town By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story PITTSFIELD — Solar-electric modules, inverters and heat pumps are stacked on the floor of what once was a convenience store. Long Read More
Solar Power Bill Offers Bright Step Forward, South Portland City Manager Says
Portland Press Herald opinion piece by Jim Gailey SOUTH PORTLAND — A new creative way to bring reduced electricity costs to all ratepayers and help municipalities invest in sustainable, low-cost energy to benefit residents is currently before the Maine Legislature: L.D. 1649, “An Act to Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development.” Unfortunately, Read More
Solar Supporters Urge Lawmakers to Pass Solar Bill
WCSH-6 TV news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Solar power provides relatively little energy in Maine, but some people want to change that. The legislature is considering a bill aimed at giving solar power a boost. Supporters of LD 1649, or the solar bill, say Governor Paul LePage is spreading misinformation about the bill Read More