Climate change is real. This period of climate change is caused and/or exacerbated by increasing anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide and decreasing CO2 capture due to deforestation. I question whether Maine can significantly decrease its CO2 emissions given environmental and social concerns regarding hydroelectric dams, current windpower and solar technology, and nuclear power.
Rather than focus almost solely on CO2 reduction, I believe Maine is in an excellent position to be a leader in CO2 offsets, capture and sequestration. As the most heavily forested state in the nation, Maine’s millions of acres of land hold tremendous potential for carbon sequestration in trees. The photo above shows a typical commercial forest clearcut and replanting operation in northern Maine. This is harmful to Maine’s climate because it eliminates oxygen producing, CO2 capturing trees. It also results in a monoculture, often of non-native tree species, that supplants natural, native woodlands.
As governor, I will push for an end to clearcutting and for the adoption of sustainable forest practices that encourage reasonable profits while they increase oxygen production and CO2 sequestration. I will advocate for the regreening of our towns and cities through removal of unused impervious surfaces e.g. unused parking lots, and the planting of native tree species. This will serve as not only a tool to fight climate change, but as a statewide beautification project.
I will advocate for the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, but will not force people to buy them.
Hydro energy is not clean energy. I will support the removal of hydroelectric dams where appropriate. Where not appropriate, I will support the construction of adequate upstream and downstream fish passage as well as necessary modifications to the power generating regime e.g. draining the head pond to maximize successful downstream migration, limiting hours of power generation, etc. The Kennebec River contains the most and best potential Atlantic Salmon habitat of any river in Maine. Its lower four dams can and should be removed without disruption to industry. I will also support installation of new in-stream, run of river/run of tide hydroelectric facilities where economically feasible and where they will not harm the environment.
I will advocate for tighter controls on the placement of solar generating facilities and encourage their installation in areas where it is the highest and best use. Examples include roofs of buildings, roadway medians, parking lots, vacant lots, etc. I will oppose massive solar facilities that significantly harm the environment and/or local municipalities.
I oppose offshore wind power generation. I support onshore wind power generation in locations where it is suitable. I will also support the development and use of the best wind power technologies that produce the least negative environmental and visual impacts, e.g. smaller vertical axis wind turbine installations.
I will not support installation of one or more small nuclear generating facilities until there is technology developed and in place for the appropriate disposal of spent fuel.
