PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 14, 2025
The dirty secret in energy policy is that there aren’t any easy options. But just because the path isn’t an easy one, doesn’t mean it doesn’t lead to a better place. Moving away from fossil fuels like oil and propane to heat pumps reduces heating burdens, especially alongside energy efficiency and air quality improvements. Electric vehicles cost the equivalent of $1.25 per gallon to fill up and cost less to maintain. This is why Maine’s new energy plan shows that by moving to 100% clean energy, and cutting expensive fuel use, average household energy costs would fall by an average of $1,300 a year. If we keep working toward an energy system that works for everyone, we can power Maine forward toward a future with cleaner air, better jobs, thriving businesses and, yes, lower energy costs. ~ Jack Shapiro, Natural Resources Council of Maine