PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 1, 2023
Maine has met or exceeded most of the goals of its first climate action plan, but is falling short of hitting its electric vehicle and land conservation targets, according to a new report. Maine surpassed its 100,000 heat pump goal this year, installing at least 115,492 pumps since 2019. It is now working toward a new goal of 275,000 by 2027. It also has exceeded its goal of creating 100 community resiliency partnerships – 175 and counting. State agencies have weatherized 12,705 homes since 2019 and will have surpassed the goal of 17,500 homes by 2025, a year ahead of schedule. Maine is “on track” to meet its 2030 goal of providing renewable energy to consumers, but will have to invest in more renewable energy projects to meet Gov. Janet Mills’ accelerated goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Maine is falling short of its goal of conserving 30% of its lands by 2030. About 22.2% of Maine lands are currently protected [loosely defined], but the number is increasing so slowly that hitting that goal is a long shot. Maine lags furthest behind in its electric vehicle targets. The goal is 219,000 electric vehicles operating in Maine by 2030 but Mainers now own only 12,369 electric vehicles.