A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change paints a bleak picture of the future. The report indicates that global temperatures have already risen about one degree Celsius, and that another half degree of global warming would bring about an increase in severe weather events such as droughts and floods; raise sea levels as much as a foot, threatening coastal communities; decrease the diversity and abundance of certain plant and animal species; put global food and water supplies at risk; and increase the occurrence of tropical and vector-borne diseases. If that weren’t enough, the report says that to avoid these outcomes we must curb global carbon dioxide emissions by about 45 percent in the next 11 years.
In Maine we’re already starting to see some of these harmful impacts. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have linked increases in the occurrence of Lyme disease with warming temperatures. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans and becoming more acidic, which threatens our fisheries. Increased storm surges and coastal flooding also present an increasing threat to coastal communities across the state.
On the other hand, taking action on climate change by investing in clean energy represents a very real opportunity for Maine.
The mountains in western and northern Maine are home to one of the best wind resources in the region, and our offshore wind resource has led experts to say that Maine could be the “Saudi Arabia of offshore wind” if that resource is developed. We also have a very strong solar resource, particularly in York and Cumberland counties, and several promising sites for the development of wave and tidal power.
Simply put, there are many opportunities for Maine to be a regional, national and even global leader in clean energy development. Some Maine organizations and companies are already leading this effort, including the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center, which is developing a design for floating offshore wind turbines; the Oceans Renewable Power Company, based in Portland, which is piloting innovative tidal energy projects in Maine and across the globe; and Pika Energy in Westbrook, one of the leading energy storage companies in the country.
Supporting these efforts and ensuring a robust investment in clean energy would create good, high-paying jobs in Maine. In Massachusetts, 110,700 people work in clean energy, making up three percent of the state’s overall workforce. This number has grown by 84 percent since 2010, in direct response to state-level policies encouraging the development of renewable energy, in particular solar power. A recent report from the American Jobs Project showed that with the right policies in place, offshore wind could support 2,144 Maine jobs annually through 2030.
There are several bills being considered by the Legislature this session that seek to curb carbon emissions and invest in a clean energy future for Maine.
I am introducing a bill that would create a Maine-specific greenhouse gas reduction target of 80% below 1990 levels by 2030. Setting a target like this will encourage investment in clean energy and ensure our response to the climate crisis is proportional to its urgency. Other clean energy and climate change-related bills this session seek to increase incentives for solar power, increase Maine’s renewable energy targets and invest in energy efficiency.
I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be your state senator and aim to serve you to the best of my ability. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns.
Linda Sanborn is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She previously served four terms in the Maine House, and practiced family medicine in Gorham for 25 years. Senator Sanborn lives in Gorham with her husband, Jeff, a Gorham native. They have three adult sons and one granddaughter.
(207) 287-1515 | Linda.Sanborn@Legislature.Maine.gov