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Maine Voices: Next governor must work quickly to craft an effective energy policy
10.25.2010
Economic development in Maine hinges on the cost of energy and how it will be obtained.
by Andrew Landry, Preti Flaherty
Published by The Portland Press Herald
PORTLAND - The price of energy and the mix of energy sources enjoyed by Maine residents today are, to a large extent, the result of the energy policies of Maine governors over the past 30 years. These policies have been driven both by the political approaches of these governors and the crises to which they were required to respond. Today, Maine faces significant challenges relating to the high cost of energy, climate change, jobs and national security.
The next governor will have three critical energy issues waiting on the desk when he or she takes office: the cost of energy, the need to address renewable energy objectives, and the opportunity to create jobs in the energy sector.
Energy costs have risen in recent years for a number of reasons, many of which are beyond the control of the governor. However, strategies do exist to address cost in either the short or long term.
Current policy favors additional development of renewable electricity. Many renewable technologies cost more than traditional sources of electricity. State government has options that could offset some of the difference, such as accepting Canadian renewables, amending renewable requirements, or supporting lower-cost technologies that are difficult to license.
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