D-Scarborough

Maine now finds itself at a moment in the state’s history where we can capitalize on bold but strategic investments. With growing unemployment, manufacturing on the decline, companies taking mandatory furloughs, municipalities in budget crises and rising energy costs, there is much to be pessimistic about. 

 However, I truly believe the moment provides an opportunity for this state. Last summer and fall, I went door to door in Scarborough and heard from voters young and old that we should get serious about the energy policy in this state. Now that I spend my days in Augusta, I know there is no better way to turn our state around. 

Earlier this year, I had the privilege to attend a Town Hall Forum at Brunswick High School on energy policy and specifically, a bold new plan that will come before the Legislature.  More than 50 people from ages 15 to 75 gathered to hear more about energy policy in Maine. It is clear the issues that transcend generations include the need to curb reliance on foreign oil, move to cleaner and sustainable energy sources and create domestic jobs that cannot be outsourced. 

 We all understand that there is a “brain drain” in our state. The “brain drain” is a result of our state having difficulty competing with other job markets in the northeast. With the state of the economy as it is, there are few good entry level jobs for young people to take, and jobs go where there is market demand. When we create a new market for weatherizing homes and small businesses, we will open doors for new and broad economic activity. With a new ‘green’ economy growing in Maine, other industries and the entire workforce will benefit.   

 It is time we up our investment in our young people in a way that will have high yields for the rest of our population.  

Imagine what lower energy rates will do for small businesses. Think of the money households will save after their homes are weatherized.  Picture the economy that Maine can boast when dollars spent on energy go to Mainers instead of the Middle East. All of this is possible, but it will take bold action. Maine needs investment to work through this economic crisis.  

Over the next 10 years, we can create thousands of good-paying jobs; develop a market for energy efficiency, green construction and renewable energy sources that could result in a $300 million industry; and drastically cut energy costs for businesses, industrial consumers and residential users.

 Last week the Legislature unanimously approved LD1485, An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future. The most important aspect of the bill is to consolidate and streamline efficiency programs in Maine. By creating a more centralized, easier to access, one-stop-shop for efficiency programs we will be better positioned to give homeowners and business owners alike the resources they need to drive the market. This single government entity will enable more value for dollars spent, eliminate confusing and burdensome red tape, and provide transparency in the use of the funds.  

 The new program will be funded by leveraging stimulus funds, but it could also receive financial support from a new revenue bond. This will enable a fast start to a worthy program. But a future Legislature will be tasked in seeing the continuation of the goal for future years by adopting a long term funding mechanism.

The true realization of the opportunity can only come if we understand the uniqueness of our moment in history unite behind a vision for a new Maine economy.  

Rep. Sean Flaherty, a Scarborough native, represents House District 127, which includes Scarborough. He can be reached at RepSean.Flaherty@legislature.maine.gov.