Saving Energy

MAINE – Modest steps in Maine such as encouraging increased use of biofuels and requiring more energy-efficient appliances won’t do much to slow U.S. oil imports from the Middle East. But, given the lack of national policies to reduce oil and gas use, states have no choice but to enact their own rules, slowly pushing the federal government to do the same.

Gov. John Baldacci’s energy policy, outlined last week, is another step in that direction. Although details of his bill have yet to be revealed, it focuses on conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. The first two, where the largest immediate gains can be made, were not mentioned by the president in his call for decreased consumption of imported oil.

The president’s plan calls for a 22 percent increase in clean energy research at the Department of Energy. While researching zero-emissions coal-fired power plants and the production of ethanol from switch grass may be worthwhile endeavors, there are more immediate ways to reduce oil consumption.

One is to use oil, and other fuels, more efficiently. To do this, the governor is advocating passage of minimum energy efficiency standards for household and commercial appliances. Last year, a bill that would have required that 19 products, ranging from ceiling fans to commercial washers, meet minimize efficiency standards, died in the Legislature. Switching to these appliances would save Maine residents a minimum of $16 million a year in energy costs by 2010, supporters said.

Bangor Daily News