We have a duty to our children and future generations to address the impending climate crisis. Reduced food production, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, flooding and droughts, and the spread of diseases are a very real threat. Similarly, we have a duty to grow a strong, sustainable economy, so that future generations can not only survive, but thrive. That’s why I am so pleased the Legislature took decisive action this year to address the climate crisis and grow Maine’s clean energy economy.
We still have plenty of work to do, but my colleagues and I have set aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets, expanded opportunities for growth in solar and other renewable energy industries, and committed to lowering Maine’s dependence on expensive heating oil.
This session we established the Climate Council, a group tasked with conceiving and adopting strategies to help Maine hit its goal of a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. The Council, which was proposed by Gov. Janet Mills, will comprise lawmakers; members of various state agencies and organizations; and representatives of various impacted industries and experts. Truly addressing the climate crisis will require a coordinated effort with everyone pulling in the same direction, so this is a big step.
Another new law from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, will increase the amount of renewable energy that Maine’s utilities are required to supply to customers to 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. This law will allow Maine to increase its renewable energy generation considerably, while keeping energy prices for consumers down.
Other states have seen significant growth in solar, and it is time Maine caught up. As costs for solar energy generation have dropped, installations have surged. However, in Maine, solar policy has been prohibitive, with obstructive billing mechanisms and needless red tape tamping down growth. Two other new laws from Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham and Sen. Dana Dow, R-Waldoboro, seek to grow solar energy by repealing and reworking these regulations, and adding new incentives for solar. These new laws will create opportunities for homeowners who want to install systems on their homes and for the construction of larger “community solar systems” owned by multiple parties or commercial entities.
Finally, almost two-thirds of Maine households use fuel oil as their primary energy source for home heating, a larger share than in any other state. One of the biggest challenges we face is high and fluctuating oil prices. This was another area where we made a lot of progress this year. A new law from Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, sets a target of installing 100,000 new heat pumps in Maine by 2025. Maine already has over 30,000 heat pumps installed, and homeowners and businesses who use them report energy savings and increased comfort. This new law will offer incentives for homeowners and businesses to install heat pumps, saving them money and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.
When I consider these issues, I think of my granddaughter Brooklyn. What kind of world will she live in after I’m gone? With these new changes, I’m hopeful that it may be one where we have avoided the worst impacts of climate change and built a strong, sustainable economy.
It is an honor to serve as your state senator. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
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