Baldacci to push for "energy clusters"

MaineBiz.biz
By the mainebiz news staff
10/27/08

Gov. John Baldacci's administration is preparing to introduce a long-term state energy plan to the Legislature this winter to help wean Maine from its dependence on imported fuels.

The plan, which is still in its draft form, touts creating "energy clusters," or geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses that are involved with renewable energy resources like forests, winds and tides, which would help fuel new services and job growth, the Portland Press Herald reported. For instance, energy clusters would have businesses that use waste heat near power plants, or paper mills set next to research centers developing biofuels from cellulose.

The paper said no details were available for proposed laws, but that the plan would emphasize tax incentives, loans, governmental policies and other mechanisms to promote conservation, efficiency and alternative-energy development.

Read the full story