Solar Bill Failure a Missed Opportunity

I am writing to express my concern for the lack of action being taken by the state of Maine on climate justice. Missed opportunities for clean power are piling up with little understanding of how it will affect Maine’s future.

I grew up in Topsham and have recently graduated from the University of Maine, but I am not satisfied with the future of my home. Maine’s industries such as timber and tourism are dependent on our ability to provide natural beauty, raw materials, and labor. This is being stunted in the current state of Maine’s energy plan. Maine has the opportunity to be a leader in clean power and create an environment for both economic growth and clean energy. The recently vetoed Solar Bill would have increased Maine’s solar capacity ten-fold over 5 years, saved energy rate-payers money, and created over 650 new jobs. The bill, LD 1649, not only supported a decrease in Maine’s carbon emissions but it would also create economic and industrial growth, providing the professional opportunities Maine graduates want. Similarly, Maine will not move forward enforcing the Clean Power Plan while the Supreme Court stay is in effect, further thwarting clean energy progress.

Graduating college is a big change that brings with it fear, and often times it is this same fear that blinds us to the potential of change. By not taking advantage of opportunities like the ones presented to us now, Maine is at risk to lose what makes it great.

Urge the members of your legislature to take action to decrease dependency on dirty energy. Ask them to be the leaders in climate justice and show this country that not all change is bad.

Margaret Bouchard,

Topsham

LePage Exceeds his Authority (Again)

I have never seen or heard of a letter being written to donors to a prestigious non-profit like the Natural Resources Council of Maine, urging them to refrain from making future contributions. And certainly not from a governor!

Gov. LePage has done it again — exceeded his constitutional authority by intimidating Maine persons and an organization over which he has no right of control. And, Governor, how about the invasion of the private lives of people who had to open a nasty letter from you which they never expected and certainly did not deserve? You owe all of us an apology, and how about a retraction of a letter which you obviously had someone with more than your limited skills write. And, Governor, don’t try to hide behind the First Amendment this time; as governor you should behave like one, and not interfere with the lives of people and private organizations.

Bully-for you, Governor, my new contribution to NRCM is on its way. And, Governor, it’s time for you to retire, as I am certain you will continue to be upset with the great work NRCM does, and will continue to do, for all of the people of Maine and its environment.

Samuel M. Jones,

Phippsburg