Energy
Like most multi-faceted problems, there isn’t one “magic” solution.
Let’s talk about conservation first, and then we’ll get into generation. “Waste not, want not.” Moody’s Collision Centers has been an ardent supporter of Efficiency Maine’s small business rebate program. We support Efficiency Maine’s effort to become an independent entity and applaud outreach programs that bring energy efficiency to the top of people’s minds. With our state’s natural resources, educational and incentive programs like those offered by Efficiency Maine, we have tremendous opportunities that can help us attain energy independence. Maine people embrace energy independence; we now need to promote and deliver on it.
Efficiency Maine Green Business Minutes – Moody’s Collision Centers
We will identify sources that will provide the greatest energy and economic benefit with the least environmental impact.
Our great state has an abundance of natural resources – wind, hydro, tidal, bio, sun, and even unnatural resources such as methane gas generated from our landfills. Our journey towards energy independence will be multi-faceted.
Hydro
For example, upgrading our existing hydro dams with newly designed turbines that use less water pressure will provide jobs, lower the cost of energy and improve the aquatic environment. According to the U.S. Department Of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, “One of the best opportunities we have to increase our supply of clean energy is by bringing our hydropower systems into the 21st Century. With this investment, we can create jobs, help our environment and give more renewable power to our economy without building a single new dam.”
Wind
Offshore wind ranks near the top of renewable energy alternatives with the least environmental impact. Offshore wind turbines are widely used in Europe, and Maine can benefit from their advanced technology, bringing jobs to our state through the manufacturing, installation and service of this surging industry. Let’s face it, the federal dollars are flowing; we need to capitalize on this opportunity.
Biomass
I’m deeply concerned about Maine’s largest renewable energy source – our forests. Maine is 90% wooded. To keep our paper mill industry viable while the next generation of paper products emerges, let’s promote biomass electrical energy via steam powered turbines. There’s a huge opportunity in developing a secondary use of unused steam, the byproduct of most biomass boilers. We have an environmental responsibility to protect this land. It is my priority to make sure we have a working forest management program that ensures adequate harvesting and access to fight potential forest fires, especially given our changing climate. Leaders need experience and vision to anticipate potential challenges. Look at California; they lose hundreds of thousands of forest acres each year due to their environmentally shortsighted regulations. One of my top priorities will be to make sure this doesn’t happen in Maine.
Tidal
With over 3400 miles of coastline, Maine is on the leading frontier of the innovative tidal energy solution. Let’s face it, the old saying “Time or tide waits for no one” can work to our benefit! Maine is a global leader supporting testing currently underway in Half Moon Cove and anxiously awaits its findings on the economic and environmental impact of this innovative technology.
Solar Power
For residential and light commercial use, solar power is one of the most attractive energy alternatives. The technology for advanced solar cells and batteries is emerging. Solar powered hot water heaters, heat and electricity are primary products of this perpetual resource, the sun.
Methane Gas
Methane gas isn’t widely talked about, but it is also an alternative. Maine’s landfills generate methane gas that can be burned in steam turbines to produce electricity. The EPA has a Landfill Methane Outreach program to create an alternative energy source from environmentally harmful methane gas generated by landfills.
Converting Landfill Gas to Energy
Clearly, Maine has a number of renewable, environmentally friendly energy alternatives. It’s my priority to turn renewable, environmentally friendly energy possibilities into reality.
I agree we need to do more with our natural resources especially with hydro and wind.
I think we can do some things with our forest products even if it means something along the line of providing a cord or two of dried wood to those with wood stoves who need heating assistance instead of providing heating oil…it would also cost less than heating oil and last longer in most cases as well.
The problem with biomass is that it releases more greenhouse gases than burning coal.
I gather you support industrial wind and solar over small individual systems. I ardently support renewable sources of energy but we need to encourage individual systems that don’t destroy our mountain tops and our ocean views. If you care to elaborate your position I would love to hear it. I’ve seen your ads on TV and I wish you well this fall.
Wow, this posts shows that you really know and feel passionately about this subject. I’ve never taken the time to comment before, but I just had to let you know how much I appreciate your honesty and candor.
I hope you will do some research on geothermal energy. All the heat, air conditioning and domestic hot water is supplied by geothermal energy from two wells drilled for that purpose. They are closed loop systems that cannot pollute the groundwater. So many people are unaware that heat from the ground is available everywhere. An efficient heat pump is powered by electricity, but our costs and environmental impact are minimal compared to oil. There are many public buildings, such as schools in Gorham and the Mosher Learning Center in Portland are heated by geothermal systems. Yet there is very little mention of using more of this alternative heating energy in the press or in any discussions by candidates and other politicians. There are many websites for more information, such as IGSHPA (the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. My husband has his own business, Alpha Water Systems, and has become certified by this organization. In addition I am a retired science teacher and as part of teaching Earth Science. Through both avenues I have learned about geothermal energy and marvel at it’s availability and yet public unawareness of this source of heat.
I am concerned about the issues described in the “Maine Citizen Alert” at this post: http://permavegan.blogspot.com/2010/06/maine-initiates-postcarbon-emergency.html. I am not an expert. If you have time, would you use the “Post a Comment” on the link, asking the owner of that page for feedback of your energy policy. I believe he would truly appreciate the opportunity to communicate, and may have useful feedback for you.
Many good options are presented here. There needs to be a strong conservation movement especially in heating and transportation. Just finding alternate sources of energy doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
Immediately we need to require all new buildings to be well-insulated. We need to require significant insulation for all older buildings and offer no-interest loans or pay for insulation for those who can’t afford it.
We need more creative and collaborative transportation options. What kinds of financial/public acclaim rewards and incentives can be offered for carpooling and car sharing? We need local analyses of rural traffic patterns and find creative ways to get people to share rides. Using that traffic analysis, we need many more energy-efficient buses running on the busier routes.
The governor, as educator, could help the general public understand the hidden and huge costs of transporting foods thousands of miles to our tables. Buying local saves energy and costs, supports Maine’s local economy. and builds food resources for our own people.
Wishing you the very best and hope you may come to Belfast.
The whole energy independence issue is a fools dream! Independent of what? Fossil fuels,,, NEVER!
The topic itself is comparable to the mood ring fad of the late 70’s and is in realistic substance nothing more than appeasement for the desperate mind.
All of the above sources combined will never provide enough energy to make a difference.
Simply wasted time and effort.