Energy Crisis,
Energy Savings,
Energy Opportunity
The U.S. energy crisis has reached a tipping
point. Our first priority must be helping our most vulnerable neighbors to survive
the difficult, expensive winter to come. Our second – no less important -- must
be a Maine-made Marshall Plan for energy independence and a green energy economy.
In my first term as your State Representative,
I was fortunate to help with many programs to build Maine's energy leadership: streamlined
permitting for wind farms, wood-based biofuel research, new solar, wind, and geothermal rebates, and bringing Amtrak's Downeaster
train service to Brunswick by 2010. Today I also serve on the Governor's Pre-Emergency
Energy Task Force, which I hope will recommend an even bolder vision within weeks – a Maine-made Marshall Plan for energy
independence.
The U.S. can not drill its way to
energy security or independence. Economists tell us the days of $1 and $2 per
gallon gas are now gone. But Maine is fortunate:
our abundant wind, wood, and water resources can help make us a small Saudi Arabia of clean energy* within the next
15-20 years.
Our most abundant resource is energy savings. Our homes and commuting habits are energy hogs.
The Japanese, for instance, whose economy is famous for its rise in the 1980s, use half as much energy per person as
Americans. In a sense, this is great news.
Today, the right investments let us do the same work at 1/3 the total cost -- saving our energy and money for other
uses. Solutions like carpooling and telecommuting can cost even less, and save
even more.
By aggressively promoting both conservation
and renewables, Maine can turn a federal crisis into a local opportunity. And
this challenge calls for action at every house – not just the State House. It
is up to each one of us to pitch in.
Carpooling, weatherizing your home, or
replacing old appliances is a great place to start. So is helping someone else
to do these things – especially someone in need. You will certainly save energy
and money, helping Maine's economy and the environment. You may even help an
elderly neighbor to survive the winter.
Below are just a few state programs that
can help you get started.
GoMaine can save the average
Maine commuter thousands per year. A statewide carpool-find system, and an expanding
public transit clearinghouse are available at www.gomaine.org, or by calling 1-800-280-RIDE.
3.95% loans of up to $30,000
are available to all middle- and low-income Mainers to finance home insulation, window replacement, solar panels, and other
measures that can save you thousands more than the cost of the loan payments. For
more information, visit www.mainehousing.org or call 1-800-452-4668.
Low-income households qualify
for federal home heating assistance (LIHEAP), regardless of fuel type, as well, as weatherization and other help with saving
energy this winter. Sign up for 2008 starts July 1st by calling Midcoast
Maine Community Action in Bath, at 442-7963. For details, visit www.mainehousing.org.
2-1-1 Maine provides information
about every human services agency in Maine. If you or someone you know needs non-emergency help, or is having trouble making ends meet, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211Maine.org.
Efficiency Maine offers rebates
on efficient lighting, appliances, and business equipment, home energy evaluators,
low-interest financing, free energy audits for businesses, and more. In 2006
alone, Efficiency Maine helped save 74,759 MegaWatt hours of energy, worth an estimated $53.9 million in lifetime economic
benefits. FMI: www.efficiencymaine.org or tel. 1-866-376-2463
Questions?
E-mail Seth at seth@sethberry.org, or call 522-1609.
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*Iceland’s plan -- an aggressive geothermal-to-hydrogen
investment -- was the first inspiration for this comparison to Saudi Arabia. Former
Gov. Angus King helped to popularize it here in Maine.
