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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For far too long we’ve been dependent on fossil fuels to heat our homes, to power our industries, and for transportation. Maine uses fossil fuels for over 80 percent of its energy needs. Thousands of dollars from hardworking Mainers go out the door to oil companies every year. But that doesn’t have to be the future. The state has been working hard, since 2002, to become energy independent from fossil fuels.

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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, 2010, 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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Back in 1930 the first railroad tracks were laid in Brunswick, at what is now Maine Street Station. Historians say the project helped boost the local economy out of the Great Depression. Eighty years later, new tracks are being laid, upgrading the old railroad lines from Brunswick to Freeport, which officials hope will boost the local economy out of the Great Recession. Once the upgrade is finished in 2012, the Amtrak Downeaster will add two daily round trips from Boston on up to Brunswick, with stops in Portland and Freeport.

To celebrate, hundreds of local residents and officials gathered on August 1, 2010, at the Maine Street Station in Brunswick. The excitement and magic that trains inspire was palpable.

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A Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway at the Height of Land got underway with an official groundbreaking on August 14th. When Lady Bird Johnson visited the area 40 years ago, she saw the need to protect the view for future generations. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust made it happen.

“That view says Maine,” said Governor John Baldacci, looking out over the tops of trees at Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the Bemis Mountain Range. “It’s an inspiration to everyone who sees it, and now it’s going to be that way forever.”

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Florence House gives 65 women nothing less than a second chance at life. Destitute and on the streets of Portland, sleeping in bus stations, cardboard boxes, or the park, these ladies had found their way to Preble Street Resource Center. There they found sympathy and food. They were given mattresses on the floor, six inches apart, to sleep on along with men.

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