Governor Baldacci Touts Weatherization Partnerships
November 5, 2009
SOUTH PORTLAND – Governor John E. Baldacci today joined Gil Sperling, head of the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, to talk about Maine’s successful weatherization efforts and ways to collaborate with other public and private partners to expand the State’s energy efficiency goals.
The stop of the “Retrofit Roadshow” at the Southern Maine Community College campus highlights the efforts of the Obama Administration to build partnerships with local and state governments, nonprofits, labor unions and businesses. The event brought stakeholders together to discuss ways to increase investments in weatherization. The federal government has identified a goal of retrofitting 100 million homes, which they estimate would save $3.5 billion a year.
“We appreciate the commitment from the President and those joined here today to help Maine people and businesses achieve energy savings and create jobs through weatherization,” said Governor Baldacci. “A strong weatherization program will create good jobs for Maine, save families money, help our environment and bolster our national security. It’s a win-win for Maine and for the country.”
Gil Sperling said that Maine is recognized as a leader in weatherization.
This year the Legislature passed the Governor’s comprehensive energy package, An Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future, which brings together under one roof Maine’s energy rebate, efficiency and conservation programs under the Efficiency Maine Trust. Among other provisions, the law established the goal to weatherize all residences and 50 percent of businesses by 2030, and reduce the State’s consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030. Efficiency Maine is developing new programs including financial assistance and a statewide program being launched to support Maine residents and businesses seeking to become more energy efficient.
The Governor said that Maine people recognize the need to increase energy efficiency and end our dependence on foreign oil. A commitment to energy efficiency not only saves families and businesses money, it also powers a green workforce of energy efficiency auditors, weatherization installers and many other design and construction jobs.
“Maine has the highest dependence on imported fossil fuels of any state, one of the coldest winter climates, and a housing stock built in the era of cheap oil,” said the Governor. “Fortunately, our people are committed to be part of the solution. We have a strong work ethic and the infrastructure to teach and train professionals to meet the challenge. But it will take a partnership from all sectors. We need to work together to improve our approaches to energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, and to share that progress with the investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers who can help to grow an American weatherization industry.”
