State seeks public input on energy plan

Augusta, Maine –  The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is asking Mainers for their input as they develop an Energy Planning Roadmap that advances the state of Maine’s energy, economic development, and environmental goals.

The roadmap, which builds on the 2015 state comprehensive energy plan update http://maine.gov/energy/pdf/2015%20Energy%20Plan%20Update%20Final.pdf , has the following objectives:  achieve energy and cost savings in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors; reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; and support the growth of a robust state and regional energy market and workforce.  The GEO is fortunate to have the guidance of an experienced and highly qualified steering committee in setting the overall direction of the project.  The state has also soughtinformation and recommendations from issue expert task forces and interagency discussions in the areas of energy innovation, heating and energy efficiency, and transportation.

With assistance from project partner E2Tech, the GEO will be facilitating a series of public meetings over the next several weeks to obtain input from private, public, and non-profit stakeholders on how to develop more targeted and successful strategies to meet these objectives.

Energy Office Deputy Director Angela Monroe highlights the importance of public participation in this process.  “The State of Maine has the fifth highest energy expenditures per person in the United States, so getting Maine’s energy policy right is of critical importance.  The Governor’s Energy Office encourages Maine’s citizens and businesses to participate in its regional stakeholder meetings, so that their voices can be heard as we work to develop a Roadmap for Maine’s energy policies going forward.”

Jeff Marks, Executive Director of E2Tech, agrees.  “Input from Maine’s energy stakeholders is a critical component of this project.  In addition to engaging businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, policymakers, and other energy professionals, we want to ensure that the general public has the opportunity to contribute to the Maine Energy Roadmap and its potential direction for the State’s citizens and businesses.” 

Times and locations for the public meetings are: 

Friday, October 13, 2017
10:00 AM to Noon
University of Maine, Presque Isle
181 Main Street
Campus Center, Allagash Room

Friday, October 20, 2017
10:00 AM to Noon
University of Southern Maine, Portland
314 Forest Ave
Glickman Library, 7^th Floor

Friday, October 27, 2017
10:00 AM to Noon
Orono, Maine
Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
5710 Norman Smith Hall

This effort is supported by a U.S. Department of Energy, State Energy Program award.