Ocean wind energy—

How important is deep ocean wind energy to Maine’s overall renewable energy plans?

“I truly believe that deep ocean wind will be the major resource of domestic renewable energy, for our region. We have a tremendous opportunity before us to export this resource to our region, and met our energy needs.

“Deep-sea ocean wind energy is the future. When I went to Norway and saw their floating wind turbine it stood before us, like the Washington Monument, my immediate reaction was to say, ‘this is the future.’ We have consistently strong winds offshore producing enough energy to power 149 nuclear power plants.

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The Department of Conservation and the State Planning Office are holding a
public information meeting TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 22,

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Please view the past interviews with Seth Wescott and Anna Goodale—Maine Olympians, Commissioner Pat McGowan from the Dept of Conservation, Commissioner Laura Fortman of the Dept. of Labor, Maine’s House Majority Leader — Hannah Pingree,actress Victoria Rowell, Director of the State Planning Office — Martha Freeman, David Littell, DEP Commissioner, and Maine’s public advocate, Dick Davis

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The Annual National Governors Association Conference was held in Bilox, Mississippi, in July why was it important to attend?

It was a very important meeting because we were given an opportunity to talk directly to Obama Administration representatives as a bi-partisan group of Governors.

We talked about energy transmission interconnection lines, about the issues of renewable energies, education, healthcare, and rail expansion. We were given a presentation on the economy from the Federal Reserve director in the Atlanta district. It was very worthwhile.

We were able to weigh in on the national healthcare reform, with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, which was a unique opportunity.

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At a time when many states are increasing taxes to balance budgets, Maine lawmakers cut the budget by $500 million and decreased the income tax rate. The state’s fiscal responsibility under the Baldacci administration opened the door for these historic measures, which will help move Maine out of the recession.

The majority leader in the House, Rep. John Piotti, working closely with the Governor’s Office, Democratic leadership, and Sen. Perry, played a key role to make tax reform and relief a reality.

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Many states have raised taxes to balance their budgets. Maine did the opposite with a budget that was lower than its predecessor and income taxes were cut. How did Maine do it?

“There was an editorial in the Wall Street journal today (June 23, 2009) that talked about Maine’s ‘Miracle.’ They were referring to what we’ve been able to do. First of all, for the first time in 30 years the biennial budget has been less than its predecessor. That’s not by an inch, it’s by a mile — it was $500 million dollars less. We started out with a $6.3 billion proposed biennial budget and finished with a $5.8 billion two year budget. We made substantial cuts without raising taxes, while continuing to provide to the most vulnerable in this society. We rolled up our sleeves and worked together to do the right thing for the state of Maine.

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An exclusive interview with the House majority leader

UPDATE: AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate has joined the House of Representatives in giving preliminary approval to an overhaul of the state tax code.

The plan won majority backing in the House on Thursday, 84-59. Following a couple of hours of debate today, the Senate registered its support, 19-15. Under the plan, Maine’s 5-cent sales tax would be held steady but applied more broadly, while the top income tax rate would drop from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent.

As out-of-state visitors pay more, Maine residents could save $55 million annually, according to tax department officials.

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David A. Cole has been MaineDOT’s commissioner since 2003, he recently sat down and talked about the changes at MaineDOT, the challenges, and how working with Maine’s communities leads to better transportation solutions.

“We use innovative management techniques and innovative construction techniques — like composites materials. Under Governor Baldacci’s leadership and with his support, we are working with UMaine to develop bridges made from lightweight, durable composite materials. We built one of these bridges in Pittsfield last year, and we’ll be looking for more opportunities in the future. The ‘bridge in the backpack’ helps us mobilize without heavy equipment, causing less disruption to communities. The future in transportation will be about intelligent designs, infrastructure that’s maintenance friendly, and intelligent transportation systems.”

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It’s the first time you’ve been a congressman with a Democratic president and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. People would like to know what that difference is like and how you like working with President Obama?

“President Obama is open and willing to talk to people on both sides of the aisle. The previous president didn’t even talk to people in his own Republican Party. It’s a refreshing change. Forty-seven of us from the Blue Dog Coalition were invited to talk to the president about budgetary issues at the White House. This administration is definitely more receptive and interested.

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Governor John E. Baldacci sat down and talked about how Maine could become an energy hub of renewable energy for New England, which will put thousands of Mainers to work.

Many wind projects around the state are already in motion, including feasibility studies for offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. The state is currently leading New England by being the largest producer of wind energy. Now, the governor’s friendship and partnership with Premier Shawn Graham of New Brunswick is resulting in plans to make a commerce energy corridor, which will export energy to New England.

“Our economy will be jumpstarted with the development of renewable, domestic-based energy. The commerce corridor will carry multiple energy resources. If we can use the state transportation right-of-way and others the state has, it will be efficient. We are talking about covering an area from Houlton to York County and into the Boston market. It’s a huge line, which will take a few years to build.

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