Maine's Energy Future: It's time for a strong vision.

Jobs + Energy Efficiency = Maine's Future

Dear Richard,

It's amazing how Mainers respond to bold ideas that meet our challenges head on!

People everywhere are talking about our New Energy Jobs Initiative - a comprehensive, long-term plan that will create thousands of good jobs, cut energy bills, address climate change, and build a more prosperous economy for this and future generations of Mainers.

You can read about it in the new special issue of the Maine Policy Review, an incredible resource published by the Margaret Chase Smith Center. 

We can't build a 21st century New Energy Economy without building a green-skilled workforce to get the job done.   With volatile energy prices, climate change and the worst economy in generations all bearing down on us, now is the time for a comprehensive, long-term vision.

Opportunity Maine has also prepared a memo for Governor Baldacci and Republican and Democratic legislative leaders that explains what the stimulus package has available and makes recommendations for how Maine can best capitalize on it. Read it Here!

Legislators need to know that Mainers from across the state believe now is the time to be bold. Let's turn this crisis into an opportunity to launch a New Energy Economy that will deliver good jobs and sustainable energy for generations to come.

If you're ready to jumpstart a new energy economy in Maine, with comprehensive investments in the education and skills of our workforce and the efficiency of our homes, businesses and factories, then send an email to members of the Special Select Committee on Maine's Energy Future to let them know.

And it's not just in Maine that people are talking about the New Energy Jobs Initiative.

Opportunity Maine President Cliff Ginn is off to New Jersey at the invitation of Governor Corzine and their Public Utilities Commission to do a presentation on our initiative.

I'm off to Washington DC to meet with our federal delegation and with workforce experts from around the country to discuss how we can ensure the stimulus package does what it's supposed to do - create good jobs and lay the groundwork for a prosperous, sustainable economy!

States who put in place bold, comprehensive strategies for creating good jobs through energy efficiency and renewable energy investments will be at the front of the line for federal stimulus funds - and we think Maine should be at the front of that line!

If you want good jobs, lower energy bills, and a brighter future, we need your help!  We need you to email your legislator and legislators on the Special Select Committee on Maine's Energy Future and tell them it is time for a long-term plan - a comprehensive vision - to secure our economic and energy future.

Regards,

~Rob Brown, Executive Director

P.S.  If we can make college affordable for everyone in this state, don't you think we should be able to do something about energy?