The GE-Alstom Block Island Wind Farm off of New Shoreham, Rhode Island, which became operational in December 2016, was the first commercial offshore wind farm in U.S. waters. (Photo Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, the Democratic incumbent for Maine’s 1st Congressional District, has carved out a niche for herself in Congress with her work on climate and environmental policy work.
Take, for example, the slow-fashion caucus she launched in June to bring the fashion and textile industries into the fold of climate change discussions. She’s also been a strong supporter of clean energy initiatives, including offshore wind.
Her Republican challenger, Ron Russell, doesn’t dispute a need for cleaner, renewable energy sources, but he would like to see the United States take a different approach.
Independent candidate Ethan Alcorn declined to directly answer questions about offshore wind and electrifying transportation because he said they were “divisive.” However, he said the environment is “huge” for him.
All three candidates were asked where they stand on offshore wind and the electrification of transportation. Both topics have dominated recent conversations in Maine, and often split the parties with Democrats largely supporting the move toward more renewable energy sources and Republicans pushing back citing concerns about high cost burdens on ratepayers.
Offshore wind
Efforts are already underway to move forward with the goal outlined in Maine law for the development of an offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Maine capable of producing three gigawatts of energy by 2040.
At the end of October, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will auction commercial leases off the coast of Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. And the state of Maine has already reached an agreement with the agency for a research array with up to 12 floating turbines.
A longtime supporter of offshore wind, Pingree said she is committed to pushing for even more federal support for renewable energy industries.
“The U.S. should be investing at levels that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis,” she said of the clean energy investments funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
As Pingree sees it, the Gulf of Maine has enormous potential to not only produce significant renewable energy, but also be a cornerstone for a growing industry and workforce. She said clean energy sources are about tackling climate change and “building economic resilience.”
Alternatively, her Republican challenger does not support offshore wind. In fact, Russell said if elected he would do everything in his power to stop it.
His concern with offshore wind stems from a fear that it will destroy fisheries and harm the hospitality industry. Rather, he believes hydroelectric power stations and nuclear energy plants would better serve Mainers.
Pingree joined the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation and Gov. Janet Mills, in a successful effort to exclude a vital lobster fishing area, known as Lobster Management Area 1, from wind development.
Alcorn said he hasn’t decided where he stands on offshore wind. Though he was originally in support, now he is “not so sure about the whole clean energy movement.” While he said he thinks there is some “good” to come from the efforts, he also said there is an “agenda.”
Electrifying transportation
Maine has received millions of dollars from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state and pilot an electric ferry program.
Pingree is proud of her part in helping pass that “landmark” legislation, she told Maine Morning Star. She added that Congress must continue to support efforts to electrify transportation because it is key to reducing emissions and protecting public health.
Russell, however, said he believes infrastructure money would be better spent increasing broadband access to rural communities — “a capability that would improve the lives of far more Mainers.”
While Russell sees electric cars as cost prohibitive, he said increasing access to electric buses and ferries would be a more cost efficient option. Though, he would like to see efforts to keep improving electric vehicles so they can be a more competitive option alongside other technology that he said may be more efficient and effective.
“EVs are great,” Russell said, but added that they require fossil fuels to charge so there needs to be better sources of renewable energy that lessen the dependence on fossil fuels and improvements to hybrid vehicles.
The Inflation Reduction Act also provides up to $7,500 in tax credits for people who purchase electric vehicles. To be eligible for the new clean vehicle tax credit, joint filers need to earn $300,000 or less and heads of household filers can’t earn more than $225,000.
Pingree said the tax credits make electric vehicles more affordable for working families, so she’d like to see ongoing support for them to create “a just transition to a clean energy economy.”
Russell does not support the tax credits because he sees it as people who don’t have an electric vehicle subsidizing those that do.
Curious where other candidates for federal office stand on these issues. Read more about those running for the 2nd Congressional District and the U.S. Senate.
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