সোমবার, ১৫ অক্টোবর, ২০১২

Maine's candidates on energy

What their Web sites say about the issues

At this point, we've had nearly all candidates for higher office come through the Herald newsroom, and we always ask about their views on energy. But I couldn't help but wonder, what importance do they accord the issue on their own campaign Web site?

Two weeks ago, I concentrated on the presidential and New Hampshire candidates. Today, I will look at Maine candidates for U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate. These statements are taken verbatim and are edited for length, where applicable.

For U.S. House, District 1, Republican state Sen. Jon Courtney: There is no energy or environmental tab in the "issues" link on his Web site.

For U.S. House, District 1, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree: Chellie helped form the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) in Congress, which is dedicated to protecting our environment and bringing about a clean energy economy. Affectionately known as the "Green Dogs," it has grown to include over 50 like-minded members of Congress and has grown into a respected political force, helping to shape the national conversation on environmental and renewable energy related policies.

She has fought for investment in clean energy. She introduced the Spilled Oil Royalty Collection Act that will make sure oil companies pay royalties on all oil that comes out of the ground. She also introduced legislation to ban deca-bromine, a harmful toxin already banned in Maine, as well as legislation to help schools purchase locally grown food.

For U.S. Senate, Democratic state Sen. Cynthia Dill: I support the president's initiative to raise average automotive fuel economy standards to above 50 mpg over the next several years, and generally applaud all local initiatives to source our energy closer to home, with new investments in tidal, solar, biomass and wind power. I remain open-minded to nuclear energy; however, the industry needs to find a place for its spent radioactive waste before it can be allowed to expand. Home energy efficiency programs have been very effective. I have been steadfast in my opposition to plans to bring the Keystone XL pipeline to Maine, because it is an unreasonable risk to our environment at no benefit to Mainers, with the fuel bound for export markets. Support for research-and-development bonds is crucial.

For U.S. Senate, former Gov. Angus King, independent: Energy conservation, energy efficiency and domestic energy production will lead to a realistic American energy policy ? for too long, the United States has not had a comprehensive energy policy. A "Made-in-America" policy will create jobs and keep our energy dollars from going to places like the Middle East. For a realistic American energy policy, there is no silver bullet ? we must look to a variety of resources and, in the near term, our "Made-in-America" approach will be a combination of increased efficiency, smarter use of fuels, and increased domestic production of oil, gas and renewables. We must develop a comprehensive, forward-thinking policy that focuses on low-cost energy, that is made in America, keeps our dollars in America, and minimizes long-term adverse environmental consequences.

For U.S. Senate, Secretary of State Charlie Summers, Republican: Summers' "issues" link specifically lists a number of topics; energy is not one of them. In the overview, he states: "As Maine's next Senator, I will:" and then he lists seven bullet points. One of them is, "Develop our nation's rich energy reserves to ensure our energy independence."


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Source: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121015-NEWS-210150326

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