State of Maine Archives: on Energy & Oil

Betsy Sweet: Invest in solar, wind, hydro, mass transit, & electric cars

Sign on to the United States Climate Alliance--I will add Maine to the 15 other states who have signed onto an alliance to achieve Paris Agreement climate goals by 2025.
No state money or approvals for more fossil fuel use. No more pipelines, refineries, LNG facilities. Invest in solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and tidal sources so that Maine is energy independent by 2030.
Support mass transit. Maine pays $4 per capita for mass transit; the national average is $45. Support systems of public transportation.
Promote electric cars by ensuring charging stations available throughout state; convert state government fleet over time to electric cars; consider rebates for electric car purchases.
Make state government a model green organization using renewable energy, green cars, walkable state campuses, and best sustainable practices.

Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2018 Maine Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Bruce Poliquin: Fully develop all sources of domestic energy

While in Congress, I'll fight for the federal government to assist American companies to fully develop and transport all sources of domestic energy within environmentally responsible ways. Our free enterprise system can best determine which sources become affordable. Politicians and bureaucrats should not spend limited taxpayer dollars, or borrow more, to subsidize expensive sources of energy.

Currently, our nation imports about one-half of our oil consumption, often from unfriendly countries. At the current price, American families and businesses send roughly $250 billion per year to other countries to import their oil. Keeping those purchases here at home would create tens of thousands of American jobs to explore, extract, refine, and transport that energy. Untold tens of thousands more jobs would be created by the lower costs to run our companies. Increasing the supply of domestic oil could lower the crushing $250/month gas and diesel bills swamping Maine family budgets.

Source: 2014 Maine House campaign website, PoliquinForCongress.com Nov 4, 2014

Charlie Summers: Off-shore exploration for oil, plus nuclear and coal

Supports domestic and off-shore exploration and development of oil, nuclear and coal. Favors greater efficiency standards, as well as alternative energy sources, but doesn't believe that's enough to meet future needs. Quote: "Even if we were to go to complete green energy tomorrow, that wouldn't do anything to bring the cost of energy down and help someone get back and forth to work." Source: Public Broadcasting "Your Vote 2012" Maine Senate debate Sep 1, 2012

Chris Lyons: Oppose prioritizing green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: oppose

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maine Senate candidate Mar 6, 2018

Cynthia Dill: Encourage conservation and renewable energy

Believes Congress could do more to encourage conservation, and renewable energy solutions. Opposes subsidies for oil companies. Opposes Keystone pipeline project, but supports offshore oil drilling in current locations. Would consider nuclear power as a future source, but only if environmental safety and waste storage issues are assured. Source: Public Broadcasting "Your Vote 2012" Maine Senate debate Sep 1, 2012

Eliot Cutler: Burning fossil fuels is more and more problematic

In a world where many fossil fuels are increasingly hard to extract in environmentally sensible ways, and where burning them is more and more expensive and problematic, Maine can turn these trends to its advantage by investing in our renewable and increasingly cost-competitive advantages of onshore and offshore wind and solar energy. Source: 2014 gubernatorial campaign website, CutlerForMaine.com Dec 31, 2013

Eliot Cutler: Reduce carbon emissions to Kyoto Protocol targets

Q: What is your plan to reduce carbon pollution in Maine?

A: The next governor of Maine needs to acknowledge and begin to deal with the following facts about climate change, and the governor needs to lead Maine people in directions that will begin to limit and mitigate its impacts:

Climate change is real.
Human activity is chiefly responsible for it.
Global warming portends massive effects on our public health and our way of life. It is the greatest environmental challenge of our time.
Maine can't solve the carbon emissions problem alone, but we can live up to our state motto, meet our commitments, and set an important example for others in our state and local policies. Earlier in this decade, Maine was a leader in setting goals to cut carbon dioxide emissions. We committed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by 2010; 10% below 1990 levels by 2020; and ultimately by as much as 80%. These goals are similar to those set by the Kyoto Protocol.

Source: Sierra Club Questionnaire on 2014 Maine Gubernatorial race Oct 16, 2013

Janet Mills: Wean ourselves off fossil fuels

Several Democrats running for governor agreed that Maine should have better health care, a better economy, more broadband internet service and better opportunities for all Mainers. Mills said it's important to wean ourselves off fossil fuels and increase use of electric vehicles. On health care, all agreed that the costs of insurance and prescription drugs are too high. Keeping people in Maine and attracting new people was also important to the candidates. Source: Press Herald on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race Sep 28, 2017

Janet Mills: Maine to fight climate change and become green

to assist in the research and development of offshore wind power;
to provide incentives for community and residential solar power;
to promote energy efficiency and weatherization;
to increase the use of heat pumps;
to build charging stations for electric vehicles;
and to help local & state government become "green."

Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maine legislature Feb 11, 2019

Janet Mills: Combat climate change: offshore wind & electric incentives

Climate change is a priority issue. We will make every effort, without additional general fund dollars: to assist the University of Maine in the research and development of offshore wind power; to provide incentives for community and residential solar power; to promote energy efficiency and weatherization; to increase the use of heat pumps; to build charging stations and incentives for electric vehicles; and to help local and state government become "green." Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maine legislature Feb 11, 2019

Janet Mills: Bring back wind platforms to Maine

This spring I will visit Scotland to see the offshore wind platforms they are using to supply that country with clean renewable energy. I am determined that the business we once lost to them, we will bring back to Maine. We have great potential. And in the coming weeks, my administration will be taking steps forward to unleash it. Stay tuned. Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address Jan 21, 2020

Janet Mills: Double Maine's clean energy jobs over next ten years

There are good paying jobs that are going unfilled. We have to connect the workforce with those jobs and make an investment in new jobs at the same time. That is why my Administration in the coming weeks will lay out a "Back to Work" bond proposal that asks for $25 million to partner with Maine's career and technical education centers and our community colleges to provide equipment and to train skilled workers to fill jobs in high-growth industries, including manufacturing and clean energy.

I have set a goal of doubling Maine's clean energy jobs in the next ten years, and in the coming weeks my Administration will stand up a key recommendation of the State's 10 year economic plan: the Maine Career Exploration Program. Backed by funding secured through the New England Clean Energy Connect project, we are launching a program in Franklin and Somerset Counties to provide scholarships and paid internships for local students with local employers.

Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature Feb 23, 2021

Mary Mayhew: Wind energy needs transparent commission, not moratorium

Responding to LePage's recent move to set up a commission to review wind energy in Maine that isn't subject to public meeting laws, former Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew called for "transparency in anything that government does." [Gov. LePage instituted a moratorium on new wind energy projects in January, with a new closed-door commission to determine future permitting]. Source: Bangor Daily News on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial debate Feb 1, 2018

Matt Dunlap: Invest in weatherization programs and maintain LIHEAP

On foreign policy, the candidates generally agreed that the United States should move cautiously regarding military intervention in Syria, but they expressed a range a views about U.S. military use.

"I really don't believe that war is the answer, really hardly ever. I think we should do everything we can to support diplomacy at every opportunity," Dill said.

"I believe we have to proceed with great care in making military commitments, but we cannot stand by and let citizens be indiscriminately

Source: KJ Online coverage of 2012 Maine Senate debate Apr 1, 2012

Paul LePage: Global warming helps Maine by opening north shipping lanes

Global warming could help Maine because the melting of the Arctic icecap has opened northern shipping lanes, Gov. Paul LePage said at a conference on the future of the transportation industry

The comments were similar to points made by Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson in May at an international trade conference in South Portland. Grimsson said the polar shipping route would shorten the trip between China and Europe by 40% to 50%. Maine could be part of the route because, earlier this year, Icelandic shipping company Eimskip made Portland its only US port of call.

"I think with Eimskip coming to Maine, with all the good things happening--it used to be global warming; I think they call it climate change now--but there are a lot of opportunities that are developing," LePage said.

Mike Michaud criticized the comment, claiming LePage was ignoring the negative effects of climate change.

Source: Portland Press Herald on 2014 Maine Governor race Dec 6, 2013

Paul LePage: Build a natural gas pipeline from Canada

Gov. Paul LePage's administration is pushing to roll back or significantly change portions of Maine law aimed at boosting in-state renewable energy production. LePage says he wants to level the state's energy-production playing field and open the door to cheap, renewable hydropower from Quebec and maritime Canada, an idea to which Canada seems lukewarm.

The state's electricity costs are holding back job creation and the economy, LePage says. But supporters of current policy say that the advantages-- in both capital investment and jobs--of supporting a burgeoning renewable-power industry far outstrip any disadvantages of slightly higher-priced power.

The LePage administration has a multi-pronged strategy for lowering energy rates, including finding ways to increase the inflow of natural gas. Helping to build a natural gas pipeline to increase supplies to New England while developing long-term contracts for lower-priced Canadian power are key objectives, a spokesperson said.

Source: Maine Sun Journal on 2014 Maine gubernatorial race Jan 5, 2014

Paul LePage: Imposed a moratorium on new wind turbine permits

LePage, who views wind power as a "boutique" energy source, has fought development as too costly and potentially damaging to tourism. He imposed a moratorium on new wind turbine permits, just as neighboring Massachusetts was rolling out its plan to boost renewables. LePage set up a commission ostensibly to study the issue, but one of its most outspoken members--a wind energy foe--resigned, saying it had not held a single meeting. Source: Inside Climate News on 2022 Maine Gubernatorial race Oct 1, 2018

Paul LePage: Paid $7500 by lobbyists to advocate for hydropower corridor

LePage confirmed that he was paid in 2019 to advocate for Central Maine Power Co.'s hydropower corridor. The Republican was paid $7,500 by Mitchell Tardy Jackson, a lobbying firm that has been working for the utility since last year to fend off proposals aimed at killing the $1 billion proposal. The project would bring Hydro-Quebec power to the regional grid through a 145-mile transmission line, but it is under threat from a bid to put a question killing the project on the November ballot. Source: Bangor Daily News on 2022 Maine Gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2020

Paul LePage: FactCheck: misinformed that windmills use electric motors

LePage [met] with the Constitutional Coalition [who] believe that large scale wind power development is not just undesirable but part of a conspiracy to deprive them of their land and freedom.

A little more than a week after the meeting, LePage blasted wind power and made a strange claim about one wind turbine in particular. "Now to add insult to injury, anybody here been up to see that damn windmill in the back yard?" asked LePage. "Guess what, if it's not blowing wind outside and they have somebody visiting, they have a little electric motor that turns the blades. I'm serious. They have an electric motor so that they can show people wind power works. Unbelievable. And that's the government you have here in the state of Maine."

LePage was later forced to recant his accusation after his remarks made national news. He tweeted, "it was not my intention to misspeak about the windmill, but I admit I had misinformation." He did not reveal the source of the conspiracy theory.

Source: FactCheck 2013 in "As Maine Went," by Mike Tipping, p. 17-18 Aug 1, 2013

Sara Gideon: Bold, immediate action on climate change

Gideon hasn't discussed policy much so far. In her stump speech, she called for "bold, immediate action on climate change" and said "affordable, quality health care" is a "human right." In an interview, she stopped short of backing the Green New Deal and Medicare-for-all. Source: Bangor Daily News on 2020 Maine Senate race Sep 16, 2019

Sara Gideon: Passed aggressive goals reducing carbon emissions in Maine

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges we face. She passed the most aggressive goals the state has ever seen for reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy production, making Maine an example for states across the nation, and jumpstarting our clean energy economy and the good-paying jobs it brings. She also passed landmark legislation improving water quality protections for Maine's tribes. Source: 2020 Maine Senate campaign website SaraGideon.com Jun 4, 2020

Sara Gideon: Rejoin Paris Agreement; invest in clean energy

Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement;
Investing in the clean energy economy;
Setting aggressive goals to move to a completely clean energy system powered by renewables;
Setting the carbon emissions reduction goals needed to slow climate change; and
Sara is proud to be endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters.

Source: 2020 Maine Senate campaign website SaraGideon.com Jun 4, 2020

Shawn Moody: Door's open to renewable energy, but no subsidies

Republican Shawn Moody: "We need a comprehensive energy policy that will include input from all stakeholders. The goal will be to provide energy providers with predictability and consistency in regard to permitting and regulation."

"In the long term, renewable energy can play an important role in this energy strategy, but we cannot subsidize high-priced sources of energy, or special interests, at the expense of Maine people."

Source: Press-Herald on 2018 Maine gubernatorial race Jul 2, 2018

Shawn Moody: Doesn't believe human activity contributes to climate change

Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious threat? Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Mills: Yes. "Global climate change demands immediate action. I [will use] the authority of my office to address the problem in a meaningful way."

Moody: No. Doesn't believe human activity contributes to climate change. Says he will balance protecting Maine's environment and having a stable regulatory structure for job creators.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maine Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Shenna Bellows: Green energy solutions instead of nuclear energy

[At a town meeting, Bellows said], "The reason I'm running is because we need more courage and honesty in government." As for energy solutions, Bellows says that she is not a proponent of nuclear energy, but rather green energy solutions such as smart wind, solar and the research and development of tidal energy. "For economic development in Maine, we need cheaper and locally sourced energy," she said. Source: Machias Valley News Observer on 2014 Maine Senate race Dec 4, 2013

Susan Collins: Double funding for low-income home weatherization programs

Both candidates said they support expanding programs to help Mainers afford high oil prices.

Collins said she would double funding for low-income heating and home weatherization programs, rein in big oil company tax subsidies, expand domestic oil production and pursue the development of alternative energy sources.

Allen said he supports a $2,000 tax credit & a 1%-interest loan for home weatherization projects, ending subsidies for oil companies, and expanding energy source alternatives.

Source: 2008 Maine Senate debate reported in Kennebec Journal Sep 21, 2008

Tom Allen: 1%-interest loan for home weatherization projects

Both candidates said they support expanding programs to help Mainers afford high oil prices this winter.

Collins also said she would rein in big oil company tax subsidies, expand domestic oil production and pursue the development of alternative energy sources.

Allen said he supports a $2,000 tax credit per family for home heating this winter, a 1%-interest loan for home weatherization projects, ending subsidies for oil companies, and expanding energy source alternatives.

Source: 2008 Maine Senate debate reported in Kennebec Journal Sep 21, 2008

Zak Ringelstein: Curb emissions & return to Paris Agreement

Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

Brakey: No position found.

King: Yes. "One of the greatest threats of our lifetime" to both environment & national security. Keep Clean Power Plan restrictions on emissions

Ringelstein: Yes. Curb emissions & return to Paris Agreement.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maine Senate race Nov 1, 2018

Janet Mills: 100% of our electricity to come from clean energy by 2040

Just two days before Christmas, a winter storm battered our coast, with heavy rains and high winds that caused extensive flooding and power outages. We have to make our communities more resilient to the impacts of storms like these. So our Community Resilience Partnership is providing grants and assistance to more than 130 communities across Maine to reduce their carbon emissions, transition them to clean energy, and protect them from rising seas and extreme weather events.

To bring down the cost of electricity for Maine people we have to loosen the stranglehold fossil fuel has on our state. In 2019, I signed into law a bipartisan bill requiring our state to achieve 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Today, 48% of our electricity comes from renewable sources. The time has come to be bolder: I am announcing tonight that I am directing my Energy Office to draft legislation requiring that 100% of our electricity come from clean energy by 2040.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature Feb 14, 2023

David Costello: An aggressive national, science-based climate action plan

Develop and implement an aggressive national, science-based climate action plan that includes, among other components: strict greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caps; ambitious GHG sequestration and "draw down" goals and actions; expanded clean energy, clean transportation, and energy efficiency initiatives; smarter development and land use regulations; greener appliance and building construction standards; and increased funding to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change. Source: 2024 Maine Senate campaign website CostelloForSenate.com Jul 24, 2023

Janet Mills: We must, and we will, continue to address climate change

We will address climate change in the long-term by investing in clean energy; by weatherizing homes and businesses; by expanding our state's network of EV chargers; and by advancing cleaner and more efficient technologies, like heat pumps--while also creating good-paying green collar jobs. We must, and we will, continue to address climate change in the long-term, for the health of our people, the health of our environment, and the health of our economy. Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature Jan 30, 2024

David Costello: Reallocate fossil fuel subsidies to clean energy initiatives

Boost investments in transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure.
Spur scientific research and development (R&D).
Reallocate large agri-business and fossil fuel subsidies to rural economic development and clean energy initiatives.

Source: 2024 Maine Senate campaign website CostelloForSenate.com Feb 27, 2024

David Costello: Funding to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change

Angus King: We are fiddling while the planet burns

Climate Change Should climate change be a top priority?

Angus King (I): Yes. "We are fiddling while the planet burns." Supports "clean energy," "decarbonizing," investing in "new energy solutions" and "electric vehicles." Voted to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

Demi Kouzounas (R): No. Opposes wind energy: "Each ... wind turbine in the ocean leaks about 80 gallons of oil a year and their tops spin ... at 200 miles an hour," harming birds, ocean life, fishermen, lobstermen. In 2019 opposed an executive order on carbon reduction.

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race Sep 9, 2024

Demi Kouzounas: Opposes wind energy; opposes carbon reduction

Climate Change Should climate change be a top priority?

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race Sep 9, 2024

Demi Kouzounas: Radical Democrats support the Green New Deal

Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?

Demi Kouzounas (R): Likely loosen. "Radical Democrats" support the Green New Deal.

Angus King (I): Tighten. Introduced a bill phasing out single-use plastic food containers and other plastic foam products. "We need bold action to tackle this global crisis." Supported addressing maintenance backlog in national parks.

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race Sep 9, 2024

Robert Charles: Democrats more interested in subsidies for "green" crap

Bam! There it is. Bottom line: Rich, out-of-touch Democrat leaders, more interested in progressive subsidies for "green" crap, electric buses, wind towers, solar forests, more administrators and illegal aliens, are killing young Mainers' dreams--yet do not see the damage. Source: The Maine Wire, "Pain," on 2026 Maine Gubernatorial race Jun 5, 2025

The above quotations are from State of Maine Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Energy & Oil. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
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