Despite a rollback of federal climate policies this year, Maine lawmakers continued to press ahead with the state’s clean energy goals. A new report highlighted the creation of a cabinet-level Department of Energy Resources to lead state planning in support of more reliable and affordable solutions. Nick Janzen, director of policy and partnerships for Maine Conservation Voters, said the…
On Tuesday morning, hundreds of thousands of Mainers woke up to higher electricity bills. Central Maine Power’s rate hike, its second in as many years, was largely driven by the utility’s need to recover costs from severe storms in the last few years — the type of extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and severe due to global…
Legislation signed by Gov. Janet Mills this month codifies and fast-tracks Maine’s transition to 100 percent clean energy amid growing uncertainty about the future of federal tax credits for renewable energy projects. The law, L.D. 1868, advances Maine’s previous energy goals by a decade. It requires the state to transition its energy portfolio to 90…
Conservation groups in Maine say the proposed federal budget bill threatens the state’s ability to reach its ambitious climate goals. Lawmakers are considering the repeal of clean energy tax credits, which have helped make Maine a national leader in energy efficient heat pump installation and fueled the growth of solar and wind power projects. Anya Fetcher,…
Clean energy advocates in Maine are encouraging state lawmakers to follow through with the state’s climate goals, despite a federal crackdown on renewable energy projects. Legislation aims to set standards for achieving 100% clean energy by 2040 to help reduce emissions and lower energy prices. Eliza Donoghue, executive director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association, said the…
A new federal report from Congress’ watchdog agency challenges long-running claims pushed by fossil fuel interests, some Republican lawmakers, and other opponents of offshore wind power, including some arguments made by opponents of offshore wind in Maine. The federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) produced the report at the request of several anti-wind power lawmakers; but…
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has signed dozens of executive orders that attempt to curtail federal funding streams and reshape everything from education policy to birthright citizenship. The legal responses have been swift, as Maine and other states turn to the courts to fight the changes. On April 7, Maine filed its first solo…
Pending legislation in Maine would help lower energy costs and protect vulnerable residents from utility disconnections. The state has some of the fastest-rising utility rates in the country, and data show more than 100,000 Mainers struggle to pay their energy bills. Lucy Hochschartner, climate and clean energy director at Maine Conservation Voters, said too many households…
Conservation groups in Maine are calling on the state’s congressional delegation to protect federal funding for clean energy technologies. A new report found the state has benefited from more than $2 billion in clean energy investments stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Jack Shapiro, climate and clean energy program director for the Natural…
Mainers are encouraged to take advantage of clean energy rebates and tax credits before they are gone. The Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives to buy electric vehicles, upgrade appliances or install heat pumps. President-elect Trump has called the landmark climate law a “green new scam” and vowed to repeal any unspent funds. Emily Walker, researcher for the energy…