In 2004, the Department of Environmental Protection completed a yearlong stakeholder process to draft a Climate Action Plan for Maine. The Department’s plan contains 54 measures to meet global warming pollution reduction goals set in 2003.

L.D. 1435 is one of these proposed measures. It would set minimum efficiency standards for common commercial appliances and residential furnaces, boilers and ceiling fans. The bill is currently moving its way through the Maine Legislature and was heard recently in the Utilities Committee.

Implementing efficiency standards for residential appliances has been a big success. My utility bills have decreased as a result of switching to Energy Star appliances and by replacing inefficient light bulbs. Why not require standards for common commercial appliances like street lights, exit signs, commercial washers and other products? We all know how energy prices have skyrocketed in recent months. Efficiency standards are a common-sense solution to this problem, a solution that does not require new taxes, line charges or any other add-on costs.

In fact, by implementing this bill, Maine electricity consumers would save $16 million a year by 2010 and double that by 2020. In addition, lowering energy demand would reduce the operating time of older, more polluting power plants thus reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.

Global warming is an issue that everyone needs to take responsibility for. L.D.1435 is a cost-effective measure that helps Maine do its part to combat global warming.

Jennifer Andersen, Peaks Island

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