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Eliza Donoghue is the executive director of Maine Renewable Energy Association.
The first day actions of President Donald Trump have received much coverage and scrutiny. There were a dizzying number of executive orders signed shortly after the inauguration, a handful of which will undermine Maine’s and the nation’s progress toward cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy.
One executive order paused the development of offshore wind by temporarily halting lease sales in federal waters; one pauses approvals, permits and loans for both offshore and onshore wind; and one removed the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Collectively, these executive orders have far-reaching negative effects, including exacerbating Maine’s overreliance on expensive, foreign fossil fuels.
But, when it comes right down to it, we agree with President Trump. We agree that we can get to a place of energy independence. But we believe there is a way to affordably support home-grown energy production while greatly reducing harmful fossil fuels emissions — and that absent President Trump’s actions, we were on the right track to do so.
Maine has long been a leader in renewable energy policy, production, and innovation. Our state’s natural resources give us the unique opportunity to generate clean energy and create good-paying jobs for Mainers. Maine’s offshore wind industry is poised to deliver transformative benefits. According to the Governor’s Energy Office, the industry is expected to generate $1 trillion in global investment by 2040. The wind resources in the Gulf of Maine position our state to bring that investment to Maine, along with high-skilled, family-sustaining jobs and clean energy made here.
Unfortunately, the actions taken by the president threaten this progress.
Though offshore wind lease sales in the Gulf of Maine are not likely to be impacted, President Trump’s actions stall critical approvals and permits. These delays could cause projects to miss key timelines, lose funding, and even halt altogether. Maine, which has been at the forefront of advancing offshore wind technology, is now at risk of losing its competitive edge in a burgeoning global market. By losing that edge, we lose much more: investment dollars, jobs, and economic growth.
And while we will stumble on the path to energy independence with these executive orders, President Trump’s plan, which is on hold, to put 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods would likely make electric bills go up for Maine border counties that get power from New Brunswick. Still more, a sizable chunk of all of Maine’s electrical support comes from Canada, meaning tariffs would impact us all.
Perhaps even more concerning is the decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement was more than a global pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; it was a framework for collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Without U.S. leadership in this effort, we risk falling behind not only in the fight against climate change but also in the race to dominate the clean energy economy. Countries like China and the European Union are investing heavily in wind and solar energy, and if we fail to act decisively, we will cede our leadership to others.
Recently, news broke of a pause on federal grants and loans — sparking confusion and uncertainty. Just as quickly, that pause was rescinded. This rapid, sweeping approach to policy changes, made without congressional oversight, leaves a lasting sense of unpredictability. Equally uncertain is what comes next.
This is why we need Maine’s congressional delegation and Maine’s Legislature to ensure that our renewable energy future stays on track. Sen. Susan Collins, for example, has been a long-time supporter of tax credits that attract investment and create jobs right here in Maine. Maine’s recent Legislatures have also advanced bipartisan legislation that has led to record job growth in our state’s clean energy sector and over a billion dollars in combined direct investment in operations and maintenance spending on renewable energy infrastructure in Maine. Maine’s congressional delegation and Legislature must continue to do their part to secure Maine’s energy independence. Support from the Trump Administration that undoubtedly shares this goal would be a real bonus.