• Exclusive Interview with Gov. John Baldacci about Maine’s wind-energy potential and how the state will become an energy exporter

• The plan to close the budget gap – implementing more efficiencies will help

Editorial—
• Maine’s recovery – it started seven years ago

Maine is moving forward with the development of alternative energies. Recent accomplishments include:

• Fox Islands Electric Cooperative, a model for community wind development

• Offshore wind test sites are the beginning of Maine’s future exporting energy

• Brunswick Naval Air Station could become a green-energy hub

• Kibby Wind adds to Maine’s reputation as a wind-power generator

• Maine’s weatherization programs

• Expanded natural gas pipeline provides energy options

With wind development growing in Maine educational programs for wind-energy technology and wind-tower rescue are also on the rise with:

• Northern Maine’s Community College program,

• A specialized training programs for wind-energy technology and wind-tower rescue,

• and UMaine’s new graduate and undergraduate programs

Taking action for climate change legislation—

• Operation Free – defending America with climate-change action

The first step for the Maine Forest Initiative—

• Sustaining Maine’s forests – a model for the federal government

Businesses News—

• Maine Standard Biofuels of Portland, Maine

• $25 million to expand broadband to rural Maine

• Old Town Canoe stays in Maine and expands with Pine Tree Zone assistance

All photography in this issue by Ramona du Houx unless indicated

Governor Baldacci delivers his State of the State address. photos by Ramona du Houx

In his speech, the Governor said that in these challenging times, Maine people rise to the occasion, and that working together, Maine will have a more secure future.

“Despite the difficulties we face, the hard choices and hard work ahead, the next chapter in Maine’s history will be one of resurgence, growth and opportunity,” said the Governor. “The choices we make will help to determine which way Maine goes.”

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Maine State Police have sent a letter to the state’s school superintendents offering more visibility from state troopers around their school buildings.

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The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously, on February 8, 2010, to designate TracFone Wireless, Inc., as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). As a result, TracFone qualifies for significant federal funds so that the company can provide Lifeline service in Maine.

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In February President Barack Obama announced a series of steps his Administration is taking as part of its comprehensive strategy to enhance American energy independence while building a foundation for a new clean energy economy.

At a meeting with a bipartisan group of eleven governors, including Governor Baldacci from Maine, the President laid out three measures that will work in concert to boost biofuels production and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

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Congressman Mike Michaud, Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, praised President Obama’s February 1st signing of the “Veterans’ Emergency Care Fairness Act.”

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York County is receiving a $646,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The funds will be used to make municipal buildings around the county more energy-efficient.

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On February 1, 2010 the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved Central Maine Power (CMP)’s proposal to invest in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).

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Under the Bush administration Maine suffered from lack of support, funding and a prescription drug program that was unfair to seniors and state budgets. President Obama is working with state’s to ensure America recovers from the recession. How the federal budget effects Maine could lessen the budget cuts the state has to make to constitutionally.

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With seventy six percent of towns reporting, 2,612 Democrats have caucused, as Mainers braved the subzero wind chills to attend their local meetings. The higher than expected turnout demonstrates Democrat’s commitment to organizing at the local level.

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The Maine Department of Corrections has partnered with International WoodFuels (www.iwoodfuels.com), a Portland based thermal energy provider, to install a state-of-the-art metered wood pellet heating system at the Mountain View Youth Development Center in Charleston.

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