Maine economy could take 15 percent hit by 2050 without climate action, report finds

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 8, 2020

Maine’s economic output could decrease by 15 percent in the next 30 years if the state does not take action to address climate change, according to a new analysis prepared for the Maine Climate Council. The multi-faceted report from Eastern Research Group and Synapse Energy Economics is part of a nearly two-year process for the council convened by Gov. Janet Mills to develop a climate action plan. That plan will serve as a blueprint lawmakers can use to meet Maine’s energy goals, which include having a carbon-neutral economy by 2045 and getting 100 percent of electricity from renewable resources while cutting emissions by 80 percent by 2050.