Comments on: Energy

By: Mark C.

Mark C. — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:27:49 +0000

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.

By: mariah

mariah — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:56:07 +0000

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.

By: Dean

Dean — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:25:55 +0000

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.

By: Claudia L

Claudia L — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:23:00 +0000

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.

By: Sanford Fassio

Sanford Fassio — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:52:01 +0000

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.

By: M Jacobs

M Jacobs — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:27:38 +0000

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.

By: Peter M

Peter M — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:52:27 +0000

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.