Courtesy / Office of Gov. Janet Mills
Gov. Janet Mills signs "An Order for State Agencies to Lead by Example through Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Sustainability Measures," surrounded by lawmakers in Augusta.
Updated: December 2, 2019
Mills orders state agencies to join fight against climate change
Photo / Maureen Milliken
New solar panels installed by ReVision Energy at the Blaine House in Augusta, including this one in the backyard, will supply 26,000 kilowatt-hours per year of electricity for the governor's official residence.
Gov. Janet Mills has ordered state agencies to "lead by example" in the fight against climate change, while attempting to do the same at her official residence in Augusta.
A Nov. 27 executive order directs state agencies to pursue energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability measures, all of which are expected to reduce operational costs and cut the state government's carbon emissions.
To underscore her administration's commitment to those goals, Mills unveiled a recently completed solar panel installation at the Blaine House.
The array consists of 61 panels on the mansion's garage and grounds, installed by South Portland-based ReVision Energy. The panels are expected to supply 26,000 kilowatt hours per year of electricity, or at least one-quarter of the Blaine House's power needs.
"Whether it is heating the Blaine House or heating your house, filling up a state-owned car or your car, the big, out-of-state fossil fuel companies have too tight a grip on Maine people," Mills said in her pre-Thanksgiving radio address last Wednesday. "They’re always forcing us to dig deeper, to buy oil or gas that harms our pocketbooks, our health, our air and our environment."
"Enough is enough," she said, and noted that the solar panels are just a start for state government. "Maine is ready to lead."
Fortunat Mueller, co-founder and managing partner of ReVision Energy, said: "I can't think of a better way to celebrate the first year of Maine's renewed climate and environmental leadership than with this solar project here at the Blaine House, which is a wonderful visual representation of Maine's commitment to a clean energy future.”
State agencies and emissions reductions
Maine has pledged to be carbon-neutral by 2045. It has also committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, by at least 80% by 2040 and a goal of 100% by 2050.
Mills's executive order calls on state government agencies to meet or exceed Maine's emissions reductions targets and seek cost efficiencies.
State facilities are also to be designed with "greater resilience" to new climate conditions. Combined, the efforts aim to reduce waste, promote employee health and increase operational efficiency.
“I’m excited to be at the helm of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services as Governor Mills leads by example in making state government more energy efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly,” said Kirsten Figueroa, commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, in a news release.
She added: “These solar panels as well as the myriad of energy initiatives throughout our state office buildings are indicative of just how seriously we take this issue, and, from a safer, healthier environment for employees and the public, to long term operational benefits achieved through improved efficiency, the impacts are far-reaching. With Maine government leading the way to protect our environment, Maine’s future looks brighter than ever.”
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