Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Of the many issues facing our state, Maine's dependence on oil is one of the most pressing. Nearly 80% of our homes heat with oil, and with prices increasing with no end in sight, families and businesses in Maine are feeling the financial pressure. At the same time, federal support for programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and rebates for efficiency and renewable energy upgrades have diminished greatly. This has left a large portion of our state still struggling to heat their homes and unable to escape their dependency on oil.

It is time that we stop depending on the federal government for help, and start doing everything we can as a state to utilize our natural resources in Maine to provide heat and electricity to our homes, businesses and industry. I will do everything in my power to help Maine invest in weatherization and make the switch to wood, natural gas, wind, solar and tidal technology. We will be able to save hundreds of millions of dollars a year, create good jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions - all for generations to come. As an energy professional who has worked in both the public and private sectors, I understand the dynamics of this challenge.

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