Roy Matthews writes in MaineWire that nuclear energy is the only way to achieve Maine’s climate goals.
- Maine has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2045 and a new bill in the legislature may help.
- LD 1594 would authorize a feasibility study for advanced nuclear power, which could bring economic and environmental benefits to the state.
- Maine used to have a nuclear power plant but it closed in 1996.
- In addition to oil and gas, Mainers have rejected renewable projects and as a result the state’s utility costs are more than 23% higher than the national average.
“Maine used to host a nuclear power plant that generated 119 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity — enough for the entire state’s energy needs. The Maine Yankee Atomic Power plant in Wiscasset provided good jobs and massive tax revenue for the town, with the plant contributing 91% of the town’s tax base in 1996. Plant employees who lived locally did not have to pay for their utilities, a great perk for many Wiscasset residents. After several referendums against the plant and maintenance that became too expensive to fix, Maine Yankee was closed in 1996. Today, almost 20 percent of Wiscasset residents live below the poverty line.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
