Two determined local men are leading the charge to reform the country’s energy policy ”“ one town at a time.

In a recent interview with the Journal Tribune, Tom Cashin and Gavin Maloney explained their effort to get towns and cities in Maine to urge Congress to develop a national energy policy. To date, Acton, Alfred, Sanford and Shapleigh signed on to the petition, which states: “Do you favor our state and federal congressional delegations holding hearings, in consultation with the National Academy of Science, to devise and implement a sustainable energy policy for the nation? (This policy, based on peer-reviewed science, should seek to diminish the buildup of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere and curb the growing instability of the Earth’s climate).”

The men will continue on their mission, with plans to head to Biddeford and Saco, and then on to Portland and Falmouth.

Cashin and Maloney’s drive and passion are impressive. It’s people like these men who can get grassroots efforts off the ground and running. In this day and age of digital petitions and social media movements ”“ which can be impressive in their own right ”“ it’s heartening to see people out on the street, talking about issues and working to change minds.

Cashin said his interest in climate change was borne from a discussion with his son, Emil, who was studying to be an environmental engineer. Following that, he and some colleagues in Acton began a conversation, and the petition effort started.

Cashin said he believes in change.

“I still have hope in the political process,” said Cashin. “I talk to my neighbors, meet with community leaders one on one.”

The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and the nuclear disarmament movement in the 1970s, proved that people can make a difference, he said, and dialogue and effort can yield results.

We wish Cashin and Maloney success in their efforts to get a national energy policy on the books. It’s an important step for the United States’ future, and showing that Mainers care about it may be what legislators ”“ at least here ”“ need to get the conversation going.

The state can further do its part by established regulations here to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change. There is a lot more we could be doing, but changes will only happen when laws are made to prohibit dangerous emissions and activities and enforce penalties for violators. Cashin and Maloney’s efforts are an important first step toward those goals.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.