PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 28, 2023
Gov. Mills in her annual State of the Budget address said: “I am announcing tonight that I am directing my Energy Office to draft legislation requiring that 100 percent of our electricity come from clean energy by 2040.” This advances the current clock on such an achievement by 10 years. We applaud the bold vision of Gov. Mills. Freeing our state from the use of coal, oil and natural gas, none of which are produced in this state, is wise in many ways. However, the concept of “clean” energy in the governor’s presentation includes the approximately 50% of Maine’s electricity that comes from biomass burning and from hydropower. We wish to see Maine move away from heavy dependence on these sources by 2040. ~ David von Seggern, Sierra Club Maine member, Portland