When I was growing up and forming my own political perspective, there were a few typical stances associated with each political party. One of these, for the Republican Party, was that it was the party of business. Meaning Republican candidates, party leaders and appointed leaders would promote every business and minimize regulatory pressure that would inhibit growth.

Citizens could bank on a Republican laissez-faire approach, which would encourage the government to abstain from interfering with free-market opportunities. What happened to the Republican Party to allow the current president to ruin specific industries because of his animus or to gain personal wealth?

A specific example of this administration’s perverse policies is its efforts to stop the generation of electricity from renewables. Based upon the bewildering rationale that East Coast wind projects are a “national security concern,” this administration has effectively stopped five commercial electricity generation projects. This will raise the price of electricity.

Every opportunity to generate electricity brings downward pressure on pricing for businesses and consumers. Not only will this decision raise costs, but it has also put a chokehold on billions of dollars in investment. This administration threatens our economy, the air we breathe, and guarantees the continuing rise in electricity costs for Mainers.

Tracy Floyd
Cape Elizabeth