PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 26, 2025
This fall I attended two energy conferences. I came away pessimistic about Maine’s energy future. Maine has a state energy plan that builds on efforts to reduce our dependence on imported petroleum and shift to an economy powered largely by renewable electricity resources. It complements the state’s climate action plan. The problem is, both strategies depend on cleaner electricity being affordable. But electricity is becoming more expensive, with prices nearly doubling in Maine over the past decade. The greatest source of pessimism comes from the sabotage of offshore wind. In his quest to kill green energy, President Trump has hobbled a multi-billion dollar industry. It was New England’s next big source of energy. One man has upended an industry. Trump also is killing incentives that helped people weatherize their homes, and buy more efficient appliances and vehicles. That leaves New England on its own. ~ Tux Turkel