BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 15, 2022
Maine’s leading oil and gas industry group issued a pledge that united Gov. Janet Mills, former Gov. Paul LePage and dozens of other 2022 candidates across the political spectrum on “energy choice.” The wide agreement on a vague idea shows both the potency of high costs — particularly of heating oil and electricity — looming as a major issue facing Mainers in the approach to the election. It will not blunt hard policy conversations about the state’s energy future. The Maine Energy Marketers Association, which represents heating oil and propane dealers and developed the pledge alongside groups advocating for auto dealers and truckers, asked candidates to oppose “efforts that restrict the ability of Maine citizens to choose the source of energy for their homes, businesses and vehicles.”