The solar industry in Maine is still reeling from the tactics that occurred in Augusta over a solar bill that was full of benefits and promise for Maine at little to no cost to ratepayers.

On Friday, April 29, during the legislative veto override day at the State House, a dismal example of government inaction occurred during the vote on L.D. 1649, a solar bill that would have created more than 600 good-paying jobs across the state. In a surprise move, Rep. John Picchiotti, R-Fairfield, decided not to vote on the bill and left the floor of the House of Representatives during the final override vote. This was particularly upsetting because Picchiotti had previously voted in favor of the solar bill during earlier votes. His actions left many of us wondering what kind of last minute pressure must have been applied on this man.

This bill would have created 600 new jobs at a time when mills are closing and Maine is losing good-paying jobs. There would also have been $500 million in private investments, $18 million in sales tax revenues and 375 megawatts of new solar panels. All at no cost to ratepayers.

We’re already starting to hear excuses for why some lawmakers voted against the solar bill — or effectively voted against it by purposely avoiding the vote — and we’ll probably hear more.

The fact is, there was no good reason that this carefully balanced bill should not have moved forward. It was the result of years of work and compromise, with substantial Republican involvement. It would have moved Maine forward on solar in a way that benefited electricity consumers, utilities and solar owners alike.

Chuck Piper

Owner, Sundog Solar

Searsport


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