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But https://www.winterdownparkas.com Maine next governor, through the energy policies he or she pursues, can influence what you pay for energy, send critical signals that encourage or hinder economic growth and guide the degree to which the state embraces renewable buy canada goose jacket cheap power sources that further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mainers have clashed since the uk canada goose outlet 1970s over energy projects and environmental concerns. But today, these debates have intensified in an era of partisan politics and cultural divisions that defy compromise. That suggests the next governor, regardless of the makeup of the Legislature, will face challenges trying to gain broad support for any agenda.
buy canada goose jacket cheap Viewed through a lens of energy policy, this election will be a referendum on the direction canadian goose jacket set over eight years by outgoing Gov. Paul LePage. It could read: Will Maine build a robust framework for renewable energy, or prop up canada goose coats on sale existing fossil fuel systems? buy canada goose jacket cheap
canada goose clearance sale This question is more complicated than it may seem. canada goose clearance sale
Canada Goose online For instance: LePage opposed virtually any form of locally based buy canada goose jacket renewable energy that receives financial incentives, chiefly solar and wind. He championed natural gas expansion and helped revive Central Maine Canada Goose sale Power proposed transmission line through western Maine, uk canada goose to bring hydro power from Quebec to Massachusetts. Canada Goose online
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But assessing the candidates views on this topic won be easy. Three of them are hedging, qualifying their support while they seek more information. Only one flat out opposes the project.
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buy canada goose jacket CMP transmission line proposal, NECEC, is shaping up to be one of the most divisive energy environmental battles Maine has seen in years. buy canada goose jacket
Alan Caron, one of two independent candidates, is a clear The power line corridor would be wide gash in the wilderness, he says, bisecting prime recreation areas.
Terry canada goose factory sale Hayes, the other independent, says she has many unanswered questions about the project, and is withholding her support until she learns more.
Canada Goose Jackets Democrat Janet Mills says she concerned about the potential environmental impact, and needs to be convinced that the project offers concrete, long term benefits to Mainers. Canada Goose Jackets
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canada goose LePage support for the NECEC project is meant to be an institutional vote of confidence, but it is largely symbolic. canada goose
canada goose coats on sale The final decision rests with regulatory agencies, such as the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The PUC is a key arbiter in several divisive energy issues, including long term contracts for offshore and land based wind farms and incentives for rooftop solar development, all initiatives LePage has opposed. canada goose coats on sale
canada goose coats So here where symbolism turns back to substance. The current PUC chairman is out in March. The next governor will nominate a new chairman for a six year term. That will be an enduring and consequential decision. canada goose coats
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Moody says the energy sector is too diverse to be overseen by only three canada goose uk shop people. He introduce a bill to add another two, making the body canada goose clearance more like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. One canada goose clearance sale of Moody nominations would have cheap canada goose uk a background in renewable energy.
Canada Goose sale Caron says the canada goose store PUC needs a leader who understands how emerging technologies are making the grid decentralized, similar to how smartphones overtook legacy landline canada goose service. Canada Goose sale
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The cost of keeping warm is Canada Goose Parka a perennial concern in Maine. LePage heavily promoted switching from oil heat to electric heat pumps. More than 30,000 ductless heat pumps have been installed in the canada goose uk outlet past three years. Rebates from Efficiency Maine, largely underwritten by electric customers, sweeten the deals.
Caron supports that direction. It part of his larger goal to make Maine energy independent in 30 years, which Canada Goose Coats On Sale would require a big transition to solar and offshore wind power cheap Canada Goose for heat, light and transportation.
canada goose black friday sale Pointing out that Mainers send $5 billion a year out of state to pay for fossil fuels, Mills backs increased use of heat pumps and Canada Goose Online wood pellet stoves. She wants half of Maine power to come from local, renewable sources by 2025, although according to the federal Energy Information Administration, Maine has more than reached that goal, through a combination of hydro, biomass and wind. canada goose black friday sale
canada goose store Moody also sees a greater role for heat pumps and pellet heat, as well as stepped up weatherization programs canada goose store.
