Think tank questions stimulus spending
A conservative think tank is challenging the use of stimulus funds to upgrade diesel engines owned by private businesses and public agencies.
The Maine Heritage Policy Center questions the economic benefit of using taxpayer money to finance greener operations, according to a story from the Statehouse News Service, calling it an example of placing special interests and political gain over economic recovery. More than $4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is intended to finance about 50% of the cost of exhaust and engine upgrades in Maine, including about 45 engine replacements in commercial fishing boats; a new engine for the Margaret Chase Smith ferry in Islesboro; carbon-reducing equipment on school buses in School Administrative Districts 6 and 20; various upgrades on construction vehicles owned by the state, Pike Industries of Westbrook and Lane Construction of Hermon; and municipal buses and trash trucks in Portland, among other projects, reported the service.
State environmental officials say the stimulus money expands a program that has already been in existence for years and that the environmental upgrades do provide an economic benefit that trickles throughout the economy. Finance Commissioner Ryan Low says the clean air program is unique in that it funnels stimulus money to private businesses, but they are rational places to spend money if the goal is to reduce carbon emissions, reported Statehouse News Service.
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