WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maine was recognized as a green economy leader at the unveiling of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy annual state scorecard. The Council ranks states based on implementation of energy efficiency programs. Maine and Delaware were ranked as the ‘most improved’ over the past year; Maine moved up from 19th to 10th in the rankings.

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This week Governor John E. Baldacci with Maine families and volunteers including elected officials gathered at the home of Sally Dobres in Bangor to urge Maine people to vote NO on Question 1.

On Thursday the Governor appeared on the MSNBC Rachael Meddow Show and talked about why he supports No on Question 1.

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I came to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.

“The law guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Maine moves forward in the clean sustainable-energy economy

• Two exclusive interviews with Governor John Baldacci on the European renewable-energy trade mission success and

• electrical transmission challenges

• John Kerry — the man behind the state’s 50-year comprehensive energy plan

• Governor Baldacci’s weatherization program starts

• Dr. Habib Dagher of UMaine’s composite lab talks about Maine’s clean-energy potential

• Maine Receives Major Federal Investment for Offshore Wind Development
• New opportunities for students with scholarships and new programs
• Maine’s new weatherization program starts
• Maine becomes New England’s tomato capital with Backyard Farms
• A new, sustainable growth plan will improve Maine’s quality of life
• U.S. Secretary LaHood is impressed with Maine’s technologies
• Heating with electricity is affordable with the Acadia
• Maine’s boat industry grows with model North Star Alliance Initiative
• Two economic development projects move Maine forward with $7.75 million
• Election Issues 2009 — including why Maine’s three port strategy is major

All photography in this issue by Ramona du Houx unless indicated

Dr. Habib Dagher, director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (AEWC) at the University of Maine, said the university is building a new lab to explore the use of robotics in the manufacture of turbine blades.

It’s another major step along the path that is advancing Maine’s expertise in wind development.

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Maine is moving forward, becoming a clean-energy exporter, as well as an innovator in renewable technologies. With biofuels, high-tech windmills, and other innovations developed at the University of Maine, the state is progressing its international expertise in the green-energy economy.

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Governor Baldacci with Violet Smith outside her home that has been weatherized.

Last summer, crews of young adults spread out across the state to weatherize homes for people who need them insulated from winter’s frigid temperatures, and to help people insulate themselves from high oil prices. Over 80 percent of Maine’s homes and businesses still heat by oil.

At the end of August, Governor John E. Baldacci joined members of his Young Mainers Weatherization Corps to see Violet Smith’s home being weatherized in Bangor.

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In August U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood toured the UMaine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composite Center (AEWC), accepting an invitation from U.S. Representative Mike Michaud.

LaHood went back to Washington, DC impressed.

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