Maine
Letter: Maine must remain focused on renewable energy
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With great renewable energy potential ranging from tidal power to wind and solar, Maine needs the right grid infrastructure improvements so that potential does not go untapped. To ensure a clean energy future, we need a modernized grid that can effectively connect these renewable sources and power Maine’s transition to a sustainable economy.
Our Maine power companies are working to meet energy demand in an efficient, cost-effective way, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. At the end of last year, Versant Power and Central Maine Power were selected to receive a $65 million grant to install advanced grid technology and connect more clean energy to the grid. This announcement followed several other federal grants awarded to Maine for clean energy in 2024, supporting various projects and grid upgrades. Maine can leverage this funding to effectively modernize its energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
While grid modernization is essential for keeping Maine at the forefront of the clean energy transition, it is just as important to continue to expand Maine’s renewable energy resources. Expanding resources offers the potential for long-term job creation and economic development. Gov. Janet Mills set a goal of reaching 30,000 energy jobs by 2030, and Maine has reached half of that target already. Maine can continue to advance clean energy goals, while also investing in workforce and economic development.
Through continued investment, expansion and leadership ensuring Maine’s specific needs are addressed, Maine can be well positioned to meet the energy demand of the future.
David Harvey
Lewiston
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition says over the past two weeks its immigrant defense hotline has seen an uptick in reported ICE detentions.
They say this corresponds with a national shift in ICE activity, including bids for local businesses to cooperate with ICE.
In Maine, the arrests follow a broader trend of targeting Black and brown immigrants, including people navigating immigration proceedings.
The coalition, which represents more than 100 organizations, says it’s ready to protect civil and human rights and is urging immigrants to prepare themselves and their families.
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They suggest having the defense hotline ready in case you witness ICE activity, making sure you have important personal documents in case of detention, and reviewing rights around judicial warrants in private spaces, like your home or workplace.
It wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without a stop at the florist.
According to Fox Business, about 154 million flowers are sold during the week of Mother’s Day. So it’s safe to say it was a busy day for stores like Estabrook’s Maine Garden Center and Nursery.
Plenty of families stopped by to pick out flowers on Sunday, looking to choose the perfect bouquet for their moms.
“I think Mother’s Day is tradition, you know, and so it’s great to see families here. We have a lot of new families that have come today for the first time with their young children and their mother. Watching the young kids and seeing how excited they are—their eyes light up at all the beautiful flowers,” Tom Estabrook, president of Estabrook’s, said.
Estabrook says Mother’s Day tends to be a great kickoff to the spring season.
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