While we are emerging from the recession most economists agree, in order to continue on a path that leads to growth we need investments in areas we know will help bolster the economy.

“It’s clear that we are coming out of a recession that was the worst since the Great Depression. Skill sets that we needed to have before are much different from today. We need engineers, we need advanced materials—like composites, and we need renewable energy skill sets. This community college is providing a leading edge for people to be trained in these fields. The mid-coast campus will be a beacon for that kind of work with a land level facility along with the opportunity to work on offshore wind,” said Governor John Baldacci. “It all works as part of a bigger plan for Maine so that we can generate our own energy and become energy independent, and it helps our national security, as well as protecting our environment.”

About half of the $8 million for this project would go to the BNAS redevelopment, to upgrade the buildings, which would be matched by $32.5 million in federal funds. Students at the new BNAS campus would get hands-on training at the centerpiece Maine Advanced Technology and Engineering Center (MATEC).

The other half of Maine’s contribution— $4.75 million— would fund a new campus for SMCC, which said it turned away more than 3,000 students from degree programs last year.

“SMCC is now the fastest growing community college in New England. Many of our programs are at or beyond capacity,” said SMCC President Dr. Jim Ortiz. “SMCC will serve as a cornerstone in the redevelopment strategy for the Base, driving economic development in key clusters like composites, supporting Maine businesses, helping to retrain and reemploy displaced workers and to build a stronger future for Maine.”

Rep. Cornell du Houx examines the plans for new community college buildings with SMCC President Otiz

According to University of Maine Dean of Engineering, Dana Humphrey, Maine ranks 49th per capita for engineers. Bath Iron Works has to employ engineers from other states to work on Maine built ships. “This could turn that around, so we can have ships and other products engineered by Maine graduates,” he said.

The plan is to begin an associates degree-engineering program at SMCC, then if students wish they could earn a bachelors degree by transferring to UMO. The need for master’s degrees will also be met with a new program at MATEC for graduate degrees in engineering.

“Over 70 percent of our experts are due to the innovations made by engineers here in the state,” said Humphrey.

State Senator Stan Gerzofsky (photo) has been advocating for the best possible transition for BNAS so the community will benefit and become a showcase with high tech jobs in engineering that will grow Maine’s green energy economy.

“I’ve always said to redevelop BNAS we have to create as many high paying jobs as possible. This bond issue will lead to future high paying jobs here in the state,” said Gerzofsky.

“The Midcoast Campus will create opportunities for the people of Maine now and into the future, offering students degrees in engineering and focusing on some of the strengths in our area like boatbuilding, composites and engineering,” said Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx.
“For the first time students will be able to earn graduate degrees in engineering, in Brunswick.”

Art Mayo, president of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is in charge of redeveloping the base, has high hopes that the base can be used to repair, maintain, and finish aircraft, as well as grow a green energy economy.

“We are being contacted four or five times a month by companies,” he said.

Question 4 is projected to create 1,000 jobs and spur $100 million in new economic activity across the state as it also invests in small business, dairy, fishing agricultural and lumber industries.

“Question 4 also contains support for traditional industries in Maine and for small businesses,” said the Governor. “This is the time to make these investments, building our foundation for economic and job growth.”

“I applaud Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman for their tireless work in drafting this important legislation. This legislation will put America on the path to a clean energy economy that will create American jobs building the solar panels, wind blades and the car batteries of the future. It will strengthen our national security by beginning to break our dependence on foreign oil. And it will protect our environment for our children and grandchildren,” said President Barack Obama. “Americans know what’s at stake by continuing our dependence on fossil fuels. But the challenges we face — underscored by the immense tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico — are reason to redouble our efforts to reform our nation’s energy policies. For too long, Washington has kicked this challenge to the next generation. This time, the status quo is no longer acceptable to Americans. Now is the time for America to take control of our energy future and jumpstart American innovation in clean energy technology that will allow us to create jobs, compete, and win in the global economy.”

This morning, more than 1,500 letters were delivered to Senator Snowe and Collins’ Augusta offices, as Portland-based Critical Insights released a new tracking survey which shows that 72 percent of the people in Maine want Senators Snowe and Collins to support federal climate and energy legislation.

The Critical Insights survey of 600 residents indicates 6 out of 10 respondents strongly support wind power, while only 10 percent of respondents are against it.

“The world will be watching to see if the United States is willing to take a serious leadership role in addressing the threat of climate change and moving deliberately toward a clean energy future by enacting serious legislation this year,” said Lisa Pohlmann, deputy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). “Needless to say, the votes and leadership of Maine Senators Snowe and Collins are critical to its passage. Though far from perfect, this proposal appears to represent the best and last chance to act constructively on climate and clean energy this year.”

A broad coalition of business, medical, sportsman, military, religious, conservation, legislative, and other leaders, have weighed in to urge Senators Snowe and Collins to support strong clean energy and climate legislation that will create clean American energy and jobs. In Maine, more than 500 businesses, 40 public interest and sportsman groups, 100 medical professionals, 111 legislators, and thousands of citizens have already weighed in urging Maine’s Senators to support strong clean energy and climate legislation.

The introduction of a comprehensive climate and energy bill takes place against the backdrop of growing concerns about the real costs of dirty and dangerous fossil fuels, brought home by the enormous environmental oil disaster that continues to unfold on the nation’s Gulf Coast.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which we celebrated on Thursday. Earth Day started quietly in Maine back in 1970, with events mostly on college campuses.But environmental advocacy and a commitment to the land, air and water have a long history here.Maine has always depended upon the natural world to attract people and to sustain our economy.

While much has changed in our State, the commitment to protecting the environment has never wavered.

Earth Day began during the birth of the national environmental movement, when important reforms were taking hold in Washington.
Led by Maine Senator Edmund Muskie, Congress enacted the Clean Air Act in 1970 and the Clean Water Act in 1972. The laws laid the foundation for modern environmental policy and protection.Working with Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals to craft forward-thinking policies, Senator Muskie changed the direction of our country for the better.

But the work to protect our environment cannot stop. Once, environmental stewardship was placed at odds with job creation and economic development.

But today, we see clearly that we can promote a strong economy and have cleaner air and water.

On Wednesday, Vice President Biden announced that Maine had won a $30 million energy grant to help make homes more energy efficient.

This significant grant will help break down the barriers to energy efficiency that many families face. There’s great potential for savings. But upfront costs make it difficult for too many families to make improvements. Through an innovative program at MaineHousing and the PUC, the federal grant will make energy upgrades more affordable.

In the short-term, the grant will create new, green jobs and give a boost to our construction industry, which has been battered by the recession. Over the long-term, Maine homes will use less energy, saving them money and reducing the amount of pollution. Families will see the benefits in their wallets and feel them when there’s less pollution in the air.

Maine is too dependent on costly, foreign oil. About 80 percent of our households depend on oil for heat. Every year, billions of dollars are shipped to dangerous parts of the world instead of staying here at home where they can do the most good.

Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce that dependency.

Maine has been aggressive in its efforts to increase our energy independence and security. Last year, we passed an Act to Secure Maine’s Energy Future, which organized all of the State’s energy efficiency programs into one place – the Efficiency Maine Trust.

That Trust will make it easier for families and businesses to get the help and support they need to retrofit their buildings. The law sets ambitious – and achievable – goals of reducing and cutting Maine’s dependency on fossil fuels and reducing energy consumption. And we will weatherize every home in Maine and half of all businesses during the next 20 years.

The significant grant we received this week will boost those efforts. But it will also give us the opportunity to turn one-time federal resources into a sustainable program to fund energy efficiency.

You know, when I took office seven years ago, I was determined that Maine would break the grip that unstable energy prices hold on our economy. Working with the Legislature in a bipartisan way fitting of Sen. Muskie’s legacy, we have been bold in our pursuit of energy independence.

We established predictable and appropriate rules to foster the growth of new sources of renewable energy.

We have supported industry with grants that are saving jobs today, making Maine companies more competitive and reducing pollution.

And we are setting the stage for new projects that will directly benefit Mainers.

Maine’s comprehensive approach to energy policy is already paying dividends.

• With new investments;

• Job creation;

• And a cleaner environment.

For 40 years, Earth Day has been about increasing environmental awareness and inspiring people to take action to make things better.

That work continues today as a new generation of men and women follow in the footsteps of Edmund Muskie and take up the cause of environmental stewardship.

“This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America’s economy and create jobs at the local level,” said Secretary Chu. “It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have – energy efficiency and conservation – which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation’s long term clean energy and climate goals.”

“Maine has been a leader in energy conservation, which is helping to reduce our reliance on oil and grow green jobs in our state. With ongoing support from the Recovery Act and our federal partners, Maine’s economy will be stronger and our environment cleaner,” said Governor John E. Baldacci.

“Investing in the development of clean and efficient energy is the most cost effective method to strengthen and improve Maine’s energy security,” said U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe. “This funding announcement is extremely welcome news that will not only build upon current state-wide efforts to transition towards the use of renewable energy but ensure Maine remains on the forefront of cutting-edge, 21st century energy technologies.”

“Unpredictable, and often increasing, prices for home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel are a huge burden for many families, truckers, and small businesses,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins. “One of the most effective and immediate ways we can help people stretch their energy dollars is through weatherization. Weatherizing a home saves, on average, nearly 30 percent in energy costs. This funding will help Maine invest in energy conservation and alternative energy technologies that will create jobs and help set us on a path toward energy independence.”

“The projects that will be made possible through this funding will help Maine’s local economies improve energy efficiency, save money, and promote economic activity and job creation,” said U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud. “Many Maine companies have already embraced energy efficient technologies and practices because it is good for business. Other countries are moving fast to adopt these practices and our country can’t afford to be behind the curve.”

“This is the kind of investment that we can put to work in Maine immediately, creating good paying jobs and saving home owners and business owners money. One of the best ways for us to achieve energy independence is by making our homes and businesses more efficient, and keeping the money we were spending on imported oil right here in our communities,” said U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

Maine will use its Recovery Act EECBG funds to promote the development of clean and sustainable energy infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a more prosperous economy while saving or creating more than 100 green jobs in the state. Approximately sixty percent of the state’s funds will be competitively awarded to local cities and counties for energy saving projects, such as financial incentive programs, energy efficiency retrofits, transportation programs, energy distribution measures, and the installation of renewable energy technologies on government buildings.

The remaining EECBG funds will be combined with Recovery Act funding from the State Energy Program to support the Large Project Impact Fund that will provide grants for large-scale commercial projects. Eligible activities for these awards will include improved insulation, air sealing, efficiency improvements in heating sources and distribution, efficiency controls and automation, efficiency upgrades in glazing, and other proven cost-effective measures.

Today’s award to the State Energy Office will be used to support state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties. At least 60 percent of the state’s award will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct EECBG awards from the Department of Energy. The EECBG Program was funded for the first time by the Recovery Act and provides formula grants to states, cities, counties, territories and federally-recognized Indian tribes nationwide to implement energy efficiency projects locally.

Projects eligible for support include the development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.

Transparency and accountability are important priorities for the EECBG program and all Recovery Act projects. All grantees have specific measures they must take before spending the full amount of awarded funding, such as ensuring oversight and transparency, submitting a conservation strategy to the Department of Energy, and complying with environmental regulations.

Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and tribal level, while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies. Communities will be required to report regularly to DOE on the progress they have made toward successfully completing projects and reaching program goals.

For a full list of awards to date, visit www.eecbg.energy.gov

“It’s beginning to feel warmer already,” said Baker, a widower on a fixed income who struggled to meet her property taxes and pay for oil heat at the same time. “I really appreciate the help. I do get assistance from the circuit breaker program for the taxes, but with the price of oil I’ve had a hard time.”

Last year Baker sold some of her husband’s paintings to pay her bills. This year it will be different.

“They tell me this will save at least 20% in energy costs, that will make all the difference,” she said.

Governor John Baldacci visited the Baker residence, along with the director of Energy Efficiency Maine, John Brautigam, to highlight the increase in weatherization efforts.

The Baldacci administration has focused on energy efficiency in all areas and was recently ranked by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, as one of the top ten states that is leading in the clean energy economy.

“We’re importing oil and exporting dollars and jobs. We’ve taken bold steps to change Maine’s dependency on costly foreign oil. Maine has earned its reputation as being a leader in the emerging field of energy efficiency,” said Governor Baldacci. “Weatherization efforts create jobs while saving residents and businesses money. These efforts are better for our environment, our economy, and our national security. Most importantly, these efforts will keep people like Margret, safe and secure this winter.”

With a total weatherizing makeover of a home or business not only are windows, doors and air leaks sealed, empty spaces in the walls are filled with environmentally friendly foam. Pipes are insulated; light bulbs updated to energy efficient ones and other efficiency measures taken. In essence the building becomes energy efficient in its new life, which saves from twenty to thirty percent in heating costs.

“We are proud of the work we do,” said Noreen Norton, president of Weatherization Wizards, the new company contracted through PROP to weatherize the Baker residence. “After years in carpentry my husband switched to weatherization last year.”

Weatherization Wizards talk with Gov. Baldacci about the opportunities the new energy field affords them.

“We want to ensure people feel comfortable with our workers and the process,” said Norton.

Community action programs have added 55 jobs and hired 30 private contractors to undertake the additional weatherization funded by the Recovery Act.

“MaineHousing will be financing 4,000 homes weatherizing projects over the next two years, using federal Recovery Act funds,” said MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick. “It is an important first step toward Maine’s overall goal of weatherizing all Maine homes and half of our businesses in the next 20 years.”

For a state like Maine, that is 80% oil dependent, weatherization retrofitting is essential for the health and well being of citizens and the economy.

“We’ve long had programs available to help electrical energy efficiency. For the first time we will have a weatherization program that will be available to middle income people,” said Brautigam. “Partnering with MaineHousing we have $10 million from Recovery Act funds, which will be used to reach out to middle income people who haven’t been able to move in this direction before now. This is a real significant program that moves towards the Governor’s vision of weatherizing all Maine homes.”

These efforts are possible because of recent state energy legislation based on the governor’s vision. This comprehensive energy bill, created the Efficiency Maine Trust and Board, which is directing tens of millions of dollars into weatherization, conservation, and efficiency programs. Among other provisions, it includes a 20-fold increase in weatherization.

The law established the goal to weatherize all residences and 50 percent of businesses, and reduce the State’s consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030.

Efficiency Maine is also developing a one- stop-shop for energy efficiency. This program will make it easier for people to access all the state’s energy efficient programs, including financial assistance.

“Recovery Act funds have jump started this initiative for the next two years,” said Baldacci. “Continuing funds could come from the leasing of energy transmission corridors. Maine is on the road to energy independence by lessoning our dependence on oil and making the most our of our sustainable natural resources.”

The total amount of weatherization for this year is $28 million. Of that amount, $4.2 million is from the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program; $16.2 million is from the Recovery Act Weatherization Assistance Program funding; and $7.6 million is from LIHEAP Weatherization.

Margret Baker's home being weatherized

MaineHousing is also in the forefront of developing a method to sell carbon savings from weatherization to raise revenue for future weatherization projects. The agency created a methodology to measure the carbon savings from weatherization, which could be used as a national model.

Some 15 shovel-ready projects from public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and state, county, local and tribal government agencies, will be funded with $11.4 million stimulus funds received by the state.

These are one-time funds that will be spent or committed within two years. Working in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature and the U.S. Forest Service, the Conservation Department has determined that it will use the stimulus funding for contracts to support new or far-reaching programs to convert public facilities in Maine to wood heat.

Wood-pellet boilers at Strong and Kingfield Elementary Schools were purchased with a USDA grant. They’re a prime example of how schools can covert to wood pellets becoming more environmentally friendly while saving funds.

With a new wood pellet manufacture located in Strong, transportation costs are also minimal.

Governor John Baldacci and DOC Commissioner Pat McGowan visited Strong a year ago to highlight the school district first wood pellet burner at Mt. Abram High School. At that time, the Governor, who has been promoting wood pellets as an alternative fuel, said their initiative is an example for others to follow.

“At Mt. Abram they are actually stimulating economic growth. Using wood pellets manufactured just eight miles done the road helps create jobs and security in the community. The economic ripple effect will be great,” said Gov. John Baldacci. “We need to be in control of our own energy supply. Seeing gas hit over $4 a gallon jeopardized businesses across the country, and has cost jobs. We never should have become so dependent on foreign energy sources. This is a shinning example of how we can begin to turn that around.”

Through the fuel conversion process, the stimulus funding will create and support jobs among licensed solid wood-fuel professionals, contractors and engineering firms. Use of the recovery funds also is expected to benefit loggers and other forest-products professionals.

The biomass project applications must be submitted by Jan. 5, 2010, and the awards will be announced as soon as possible. The proposals must come from public institutions, rather than vendors, and must meet two basic guidelines: the wood-to-energy projects must be shovel-ready, and they must create or retain jobs.

The request for applications is available at www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/arra or contact Jennifer Wright, Maine Forest Service, at jennifer.wright@maine.gov.

Officials have narrowed down a list of possible sites to areas off Boon Island in York County, Damariscove and Monhegan islands in Lincoln County, and Cutler in Washington County. One of the sites will be set aside for the University of Maine, which earlier this month was chosen to receive $8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund offshore wind technology. Commercial developers will be limited to testing two deep-water, offshore wind turbines at each of the four draft sites.

Legislation in June mandated that the conservation department and the State Planning Office identify up to five offshore wind demonstration sites. The agencies will accept public comments on the proposed sites until Nov. 30, with a Dec. 15 deadline to finalize the list.