We’ve all heard the adage about placing all our eggs in one basket. Our Governor and the incumbent supermajority seem to lack this common-sense wisdom. Maine’s current energy strategy is driven by partisan ideologies vice sound science and reasoned business acumen. It is time we chart a new course, tailored to the environmental and fiscal realities of New England. A strategic energy plan underpins an overall strong economy; I doubt many would disagree.
This session I have introduced for debate LD300, A Resolve to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Study Expanding the Use of Hydroelectric Power and the Development of a Geothermal Power Plant in the State. I submitted this proposal based upon input from countless voters on the campaign trail, and because we all know a diversified portfolio of validated technologies will ultimately yield a more stable, resilient, and prosperous future.
Wait, what? Why am I not submitting a Bill pursuing nuclear power, as I so actively promoted over the last year? Simple. Other colleagues are spearheading those discussions, and I will eagerly offer support based upon my experience operating fission-based nuclear plants for the US Navy. While some will attempt to argue that nuclear power is unsafe and cost prohibitive, I will offer rebuttal based on fact. Why not fusion? Trust me, I’m excited, we’re just not “there” yet, however I am closely watching.
Why expand hydro? Simple. In our deepest winters we have an abundance of water flowing below the ice, representing vast steady kinetic energy. I have learned Alaska has made notable advances in hydropower while achieving negligible impact on fisheries, vital to both their food and tourism industries, just like ours. I see an opportunity for us to gain from their lessons learned.
Why consider geothermal? Simple. Although none of us have x-ray vision to see below our crust, I know we have brilliant geologists who could engage at least exploratory studies to determine if we have the source, or not. If the energy is there, then we allow the voters to decide if we pursue further, if not, we move on.
For the record, I support wind and solar technologies specifically “behind the meter”, for individuals who can afford it, as sources for either their primary or supplemental household energy. Regrettably I also believe a comprehensive “cradle to grave” evaluation of each wind and solar has not been diligently engaged, and proponents have neglected to focus on critical aspects such as return on investment rates and end of life cycle disposal costs. We also have not yet made enough progress towards safe and durable storage of power produced by these intermittent sources. In all scenarios, I believe investments at a state level should be based on requests for proposals from industry under competitive bid processes rather than continued ratepayer subsidies to unscrupulous profiteers.
If you have thoughts on LD300, either for or against, please email me at Mathew.McIntye@legislature.maine.gov. Better yet, please provide testimony during the Public Hearing, once scheduled.