Editor:

In June, the U.S. House of Representatives (with Rep. Chellie Pingree’s support) passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, and the Senate now has an opportunity to pass a similar bill.

For Maine citizens, such legislation would be especially beneficial. Its goals are to (1) curb global warming pollution, (2) reduce dependence on foreign oil, and (3) put Americans back to work.

With respect to (1) global warming, Maine is at risk in a number of respects. A recent study by the University of Maine lists Kennebunk and Kennebunkport as among Maine towns most threatened by effects of global warming including coastal flooding and sea-level rise. Also, the Union of Concerned Scientists and NASA report that heavy, damaging rainfall events have increased measurably across the northeast U.S. in recent decades. The heavy spring rains we experienced in spring 2006 and 2007 are consistent with this trend. 

With respect to (2) reducing dependence on foreign oil, a 2008 state report noted that because so many Mainers rely on oil for home heating, Maine is the most oil dependent state in the nation. Literally billions of dollars leave Maine each year for oil and gas expenses. And the most oil-rich countries of the world include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and China. This leaves Maine vulnerable should oil prices return to $140 per barrel, where they were a year ago. A strong energy and climate bill would address this issue by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States. The new Hallowell Heat Pump, manufactured in Bangor, for example, is a super-efficient way to heat and cool a home using electricity from renewable resources.

The legislation under consideration would also focus on (3) putting Americans back to work through funding for job training at universities in areas like renewable energy and energy efficiency. As an example, Sen. Susan Collins supports development of off-shore wind power in Maine. 

Will this bill be a financial drain on the country? A Congressional Budget Office report calculated the legislation would cost $175 per household annually. But the report fails to take into account savings due to energy efficiencies. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates  residents of New England stand to save $1,550 per household annually over the long term in the face of rising oil prices. 

There are additional costs of inaction on global warming, including increasing costs of clean-up from flooding. FEMA, for example, spent over $1 million in Kennebunk repairing storm damage in the past few years. 

Passage of a bill before the United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen in the fall would send a strong message of leadership to the rest of the world. Contact senators Snowe and Collins and ask them to support strong energy and climate legislation this summer.

Jennifer Niese

Kennebunk