Imagine being on active duty assigned to keep highways clear of insurgents. Your in a convoy, its hot, its tense. Your ears start ringing from a blast that rocks your vehicle, you look ahead – the Humvee in front of you is gone. All that you can see is billowing black smoke.

It happens— all too often. But that could change with new technology that may be deployed with troops. A technology created here in Maine at Bolduc Technology Group, in Augusta.

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Since you’ve been in office the state has developed and has begun to implement a comprehensive energy plan, which your director of the Office of Energy and Security, John Kerry, says will take the state 50 years into the future — to energy independence from fossil fuels. How is this connected with your work with the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers? Why is it important to work regionally on energy issues?

“Working regionally is one way that we have been able to progress the state’s energy goals.

“Maine is a part of the Northeast region of America, including Canadian provinces in Eastern Canada. When you look at it on the map, that’s access to 55 million people; it’s huge. It’s not a long extension line from the energy resources to the major population hubs on the East Coast. Maine by itself can’t supply all those needs, but Maine certainly can be a leader with our offshore and onshore wind technologies, our expertise, and other renewable energy resources. We can also lead by establishing interconnections to the Eastern Canadian provinces, collecting their electrical energy with ours to feed to the Northeastern markets.

“That’s why energy issues are important in the region. We are trying to make Maine the beachhead, with best practices established in these energy fields, with research conducted at the University of Maine and the Ocean Energy Institute.

“Others can talk about doing things; Maine is where it is happening.

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Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents at its Cobscook Bay site in Eastport, Maine. Tests of a turbine off Eastport’s coast have met or exceeded forecasts.

“It’s a critical step to our first commercial unit that will be connected to the grid in little more than a year now,” said Chris Sauer, president of ORPC. “It’s a huge milestone for America’s ocean energy industry.”

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At the National Governors Association meeting held this summer was energy a topic of discussion?

“Energy was a focus of economic development at the conference. We discussed the importance of pursuing a clean-energy future, which will enhance the quality of life and place for our citizens, as it diminishes our carbon footprint. While clean energy is developed from our natural resources, we talked about the importance of keeping these resources sustainable for future generations. In Maine we want to grow ecotourism, expand value-added goods and energy opportunities, while protecting our natural resources.

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The State’s Home Energy Savings Program offered cash rebates up to $4,000 on weatherization retrofitting last summer. Add federal tax incentives of up to $1,500, and anyone could save $5,500 to weatherize their home.

“Preapproved weatherization projects that reduce fuel usage for heat and hot water by 25 percent are eligible for up to $1,500 in rebates, while those that achieve energy savings of 50 percent or more are eligible for up to $3,000,” said Michael Stoddard [right] executive director of Efficiency Maine Trust, during an energy event attended by federal and State officials, including Governor John Baldacci.

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The temporary tariff on coated paper from China and Indonesia —

More than 4,000 jobs have been lost in the paper sector since 2002, according to the Maine Department of Labor. But the state managed better than other areas in the U.S. during that same time, as over 56,000 jobs were lost elsewhere in the U.S. according to the Alliance for American Manufacturing. So far, in 2010, Maine pulp exports are up 200 percent and paper exports — 72 percent. Is that partially due to the temporary tariff imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in March, 2010?

“I believe so. It’s something I’ve followed and worked for — for a very long time. It already has saved jobs in Maine, by giving our paper companies a level playing field. It will not only maintain their operations but also grow jobs, and the industry.

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In June loggers from across the Northeast were recognized at the Blaine House, the residence for the standing governor, for their outstanding business and sustainable harvesting practices.

“The Northeast Master Loggers Certification Board certified eleven new Master Logger companies,” said Beth Postlewaite, executive director of the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands (TCNF), as she gave out the awards. “Of the eleven companies certified, six were from Maine. This is a model for the nation.”

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“Last year, I introduced a bill called the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA), which would allow Maine and other states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on their interstate systems in order to make them consistent with surrounding states.

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Six local weatherization agencies have been selected to receive $7 million to install solar hot water systems, hot water heat pumps, to replace inefficient washers with ENERGY STAR-qualified models, and to perform select heating system upgrades. Maine State Housing will monitor the program.

The new initiative was announced in mid-August on a press conference call with the Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary Cathy Zoi, and Governor John Baldacci.

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Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents at its Cobscook Bay site in Eastport, Maine.

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