AUGUSTA — Gov. John Baldacci says the state needs to focus on clean renewable energy sources to increase its energy independence.

In his weekly radio address today, the governor said Maine must reduce its reliance on oil and focus instead on a mix of renewable energy that includes solar, tidal, wind, hydropower, biofuels and biomass electricity generation. He said focusing on renewable energy protects the environment and supports local industries.

Baldacci also applauded the start of Central Maine Power’s new $1.4 billion power grid upgrade that’ll allow more electricity to flow from Canada and create capacity for renewable power projects. Groundbreaking on the project took place this week in Gorham.