Report: Maine a clean energy star
Maine has adopted bold policies to promote clean energy that can serve as a model for the entire nation, according to our new report, “America’s Clean Energy Stars: State Actions Leading America to a New Energy Future.”
Environment Maine joined with Gov. John Baldacci, House Speaker Glenn Cummings (Portland) and Floor Leader Hannah Pingree (North Haven) to release the report, and called on Congress to follow the lead of Maine by passing a strong federal energy bill that will increase renewable energy and energy conservation and make vehicles go farther on a gallon of gas.
“The energy challenge facing America demands bold action at every level,” said Gov. Baldacci. “Here in Maine, we have begun to take action. We need to do more, but we cannot do it alone. We are counting on Congress to join us as we work together to achieve the promise of a new energy future for America.”
Our report rated Maine a “silver star” for its moves to increase renewable energy, save energy, and require cleaner cars. In developing the report, our researchers looked at five areas of cutting-edge clean energy policy adopted by the state governments: renewable electricity standards, the Clean Cars Program, utility energy-efficiency programs, energy-efficiency standards for appliances, and building energy codes.
Maine has a renewable energy standard that requires 10 percent of the state’s energy to be generated from new clean, renewable sources by 2017. Maine has also adopted the Cleaner Cars Program, which sets tailpipe emission standards for new cars, boosts the number of hybrids on the road, and will reduce global warming pollution coming from new cars starting in 2009.
“At a time when Americans are enduring the consequences of a long dormant national energy policy with their heating bills and gas at the pump, it is astonishing that Congress is unable to pass a comprehensive energy package,” said Sen. Olympia Snowe. “The ‘Energy Stars’ report illustrates that states across the country are attempting to fill the void of a national energy policy; Congress must heed these successes and pass a strong energy bill that promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Congress should follow Maine’s example and require more power from clean sources.
