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
Our Office of Policy Innovation and the Future is preparing a climate agenda. We will make every effort, without additional general fund dollars:- 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 industryThe 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
[On energy and environment]:- 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
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
Feb 27, 2024
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?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.
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.
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
Ed Crockett:
Achieve 80% energy from renewables by 2030
LD1494: An Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS):Summary by XX in support, 20XXLD 1494 increases Maine's RPS to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today and a goal of 100% by 2050. In addition, the bill
requires the Public Utilities Commission to procure long-term contracts for new clean energy generation, which may be paired with advanced energy storage. LD 1494 also requires the creation of a new thermal portfolio standard to incentivize efficient
heating and cooling installations, contains several cost containment mechanisms including a $50 cap on alternative compliance payments, and requires renewable energy policy studies to be conducted in conjunction with other planning efforts. This bill
gives Maine one of most ambitious RPS programs in the country.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-0-1 on Jun/18/19; passed House 93-48-10 on Jun/18/19; State Rep. Ed Crockett voted YES; signed by Governor Janet Mills on Jun/26/19.
Source: 2019 Maine voting record LD1494 and Governor press release
Jun 18, 2019
Janet Mills:
Achieve 80% energy from renewables by 2030
LD1494: An Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS):Summary by XX in support, 20XXLD 1494 increases Maine's RPS to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today and a goal of 100% by 2050. In addition, the bill
requires the Public Utilities Commission to procure long-term contracts for new clean energy generation, which may be paired with advanced energy storage. LD 1494 also requires the creation of a new thermal portfolio standard to incentivize efficient
heating and cooling installations, contains several cost containment mechanisms including a $50 cap on alternative compliance payments, and requires renewable energy policy studies to be conducted in conjunction with other planning efforts. This bill
gives Maine one of most ambitious RPS programs in the country.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-0-1 on Jun/18/19; passed House 93-48-10 on Jun/18/19; signed by Governor Janet Mills on Jun/26/19.
Source: 2019 Maine voting record LD1494 and Governor press release
Jun 26, 2019
Sara Gideon:
Achieve 80% energy from renewables by 2030
LD1494: An Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS):Summary by XX in support, 20XXLD 1494 increases Maine's RPS to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today and a goal of 100% by 2050. In addition, the bill
requires the Public Utilities Commission to procure long-term contracts for new clean energy generation, which may be paired with advanced energy storage. LD 1494 also requires the creation of a new thermal portfolio standard to incentivize efficient
heating and cooling installations, contains several cost containment mechanisms including a $50 cap on alternative compliance payments, and requires renewable energy policy studies to be conducted in conjunction with other planning efforts. This bill
gives Maine one of most ambitious RPS programs in the country.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-0-1 on Jun/18/19; passed House 93-48-10 on Jun/18/19; State Rep. Sara Gideon voted YES; signed by Governor Janet Mills on Jun/26/19.
Source: 2019 Maine voting record LD1494 and Governor press release
Jun 18, 2019
Hannah Pingree:
Weatherize 100% of Maine's residences by 2030
LD1485: An Act Regarding Maine's Energy FutureSummary by Maine League of Conservation Voters in 2009 Environmental Scorecard:
LD 1485 establishes the Efficiency Maine Trust to streamline energy efficiency and alternative energy resource programs in the state.
In addition, the bill sets ambitious goals to weatherize 100% of Maine's residences and half of Maine's businesses by 2030.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-6-2 Roll Call #203 on Jun/11/09, passed House 118-27-6 Roll Call #231 on Jun/11/09; State Rep. Hannah Pingree voted YES; signed by Governor John Baldacci on Jun/12/09.
Source: LCV-ME on Maine Legislature voting records LD1485
Jun 11, 2009
John Baldacci:
Weatherize 100% of Maine's residences by 2030
LD1485: An Act Regarding Maine's Energy FutureSummary by Maine League of Conservation Voters in 2009 Environmental Scorecard:
LD 1485 establishes the Efficiency Maine Trust to streamline energy efficiency and alternative energy resource programs in the state.
In addition, the bill sets ambitious goals to weatherize 100% of Maine's residences and half of Maine's businesses by 2030.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-6-2 Roll Call #203 on Jun/11/09, State Sen. Troy Jackson voted YES; passed House 118-27-6 Roll Call #231 on Jun/11/09; State Rep. Hannah Pingree voted YES; signed by Governor John Baldacci on Jun/12/09.
Source: LCV-ME on Maine Legislature voting records LD1485
Jun 12, 2009
Troy Jackson:
Weatherize 100% of Maine's residences by 2030
LD1485: An Act Regarding Maine's Energy FutureSummary by Maine League of Conservation Voters in 2009 Environmental Scorecard:
LD 1485 establishes the Efficiency Maine Trust to streamline energy efficiency and alternative energy resource programs in the state.
In addition, the bill sets ambitious goals to weatherize 100% of Maine's residences and half of Maine's businesses by 2030.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-6-2 Roll Call #203 on Jun/11/09, State Sen. Troy Jackson voted YES; passed House 118-27-6 Roll Call #231 on Jun/11/09; signed by Governor John Baldacci on Jun/12/09.
Source: LCV-ME on Maine Legislature voting records LD1485
Jun 11, 2009
Troy Jackson:
Achieve 80% energy from renewables by 2030
LD1494: An Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS):Governor Press Release 6/26/19LD 1494 increases Maine's RPS to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today and a goal of 100% by 2050. In addition, the bill
requires the Public Utilities Commission to procure long-term contracts for new clean energy generation, which may be paired with advanced energy storage. LD 1494 also requires the creation of a new thermal portfolio standard to incentivize efficient
heating and cooling installations, contains several cost containment mechanisms including a $50 cap on alternative compliance payments, and requires renewable energy policy studies to be conducted in conjunction with other planning efforts. This bill
gives Maine one of most ambitious RPS programs in the country.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-0-1 on Jun/18/19; passed House 93-48-10 on Jun/18/19; Troy Jackson voted YES; signed by Governor Janet Mills on Jun/26/19.
Source: 2019 Maine voting record LD1494 and Governor press release
Jun 18, 2019
Hannah Pingree:
Deliver 100% clean energy by 2040
As co-chair of the Maine Climate Council, she led Maine Won't Wait, the state's climate action plan, and helped deliver results by making historic investments in resilience and recovery, strengthening infrastructure against extreme storms and flooding,
expanding efficiency and clean energy opportunities, lowering costs for families through the installation of more than 100,000 heat pumps ahead of schedule, and creating thousands of good paying jobs.
[We should] deliver 100% clean energy by 2040, reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels, investing in responsibly sited clean energy that benefits communities, and using regular competitive auctions to rapidly deploy local solar,
wind, and energy storage that lowers costs for Maine people and businesses. Maine must pursue a "least cost" electricity supply through reform and modernization of the standard offer and other procurement processes.
Source: 2026 Maine Governor campaign website HannahForGovernor.com
Mar 24, 2026
Troy Jackson:
Tap into our abundant clean energy resources
Mainers deserve electricity that's reliable, affordable, and clean. Our utilities have moved far more money to Wall Street investors than they have into regular upkeep of our grid and the workers who maintain it--all while raising costs for ratepayers.
Troy will stop these electricity rate hikes, cut egregious utility profits and reinvest in the grid so it's more reliable and less prone to outages, and make Maine energy independent by tapping into our abundant clean energy resources.
Source: 2026 Maine Governor campaign website JacksonForMaine.com
Mar 23, 2026
Janet Mills:
We need to welcome more clean energy onto the grid
What Maine needs to do is to keep diversifying our energy sources by welcoming more clean energy onto the grid in order to offset natural gas. That is why we are procuring more cost-effective clean energy, like wind and solar here in
Maine, and hydro from Canada, while pursuing energy storage as well. Let's lower energy costs by lowering our reliance on fossil fuels and make all our homes safer and more weather proof.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature
Jan 27, 2026
Rick Bennett:
Conserve energy and increase efficiency
- Reduce utility profits to lower delivery costs
- Lower energy costs for manufacturers and Maine's heritage industries
-
Conserve energy and increase efficiency
- Create a new Maine Generation Authority to power Maine's future
Source: 2026 Maine Gubernatorial campaign web BennettForGovernor.com
Oct 5, 2026
Rick Bennett:
Clean energy policy has to cut emissions and lower costs
Clean energy policy has to do two things at once: cut emissions and lower costs for Maine people. If it doesn't improve affordability as well as sustainability, it will not earn lasting public support. I will expand heat pumps,
weatherization, energy storage, and grid modernization, and support a Maine Generation Authority so more of the value from Maine-made renewable energy stays here and lowers bills for Maine ratepayers.
Source: Maine Public (NPR News) on 2026 Maine Gubernatorial race
Sep 22, 2026
Susan Collins:
We have a supply problem; need to become energy independent
Q: Should Congress expand LIHEAP heating oil assistance?Jackson: I definitely think, especially for a state like Maine that's a cold weather state, this would be a great thing for Senator Collins to fight for, but instead, she cut a lot of heat
funding, cut SNAP benefits, obviously cut our healthcare.
Collins: Mainers are struggling as they're filling up their heating pumps, their heating tanks this winter. And I have been the leading proponent of the low income home heating program in
Congress. We could expand that program further and we could expand the weatherization program so that people have to use less oil or less natural gas to heat their homes, but there's a second problem that Troy doesn't even touch on, and that is we have
a supply problem. We need to become energy independent in this country. I'm pleased that the administration has 100 million barrels of crude oil and diesel coming to this country from our European allies that will help to lower prices.
Source: C-SPAN transcript of 2026 Maine Senate debate
Oct 8, 2026
Troy Jackson:
Expand home heating assistance instead of safety net cuts
Q: LIHEAP we know helps lower income households, but many working families don't qualify and still struggle to pay their heating bills. Should Congress expand assistance beyond LIHEAP?Jackson: I definitely think, especially for a state like Maine
that's a cold weather state, this would be a great thing for Senator Collins to fight for, but instead, she advanced the Big Beautiful Bill out of committee that actually cut a lot of heat funding, cut SNAP benefits, obviously cut our healthcare. When
I was appropriations chair in Maine, I put forward a $400 million heating package and got bipartisan support to get it out in an emergency fashion. What's going on right now in this state is going to be dire for so many people across it, and we haven't
even gotten to the cold, colder months yet.
Collins: Mainers are struggling as they're filling up their heating pumps, their heating tanks this winter. And I have been the leading proponent of the low income home heating program [LIHEAP] in Congress.
Source: C-SPAN transcript of 2026 Maine Senate debate
Oct 8, 2026
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026