PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2025
Solar and wind technologies have proven themselves cheaper than fossil fuels, and with increasing amounts of battery storage, are already diversifying our energy supply. Yet President Trump’s funding cuts and bureaucratic delay tactics are, for now, posing a needless obstacle. Getting more clean energy to market faster is the other challenge, but one Republicans and Democrats together should work to solve. The obvious need to rapidly increase our electricity supply is clear. But our cumbersome energy permitting process, hampered by duplication of effort and a lack of clear leadership, is causing unnecessary and unacceptable delay. ~ Sam Saltonstall, Brunswick