I am writing to support Opportunity Maine’s bill, LD 1181, An Act To Create Jobs Through Investments In Green Energy. I am an environmental policy major at Bates College, and while not originally from Maine, I have become extremely active in climate change policy in this state.

My support for this bill is not, however, immediately on behalf of the environment; rather on reviving Maine’s ailing economy.

Recently, I attended Power Shift 2009 in Washington, D.C., where 12,000 young people gathered from across the country to learn about climate change and green jobs. I met a young man from Fort Kent who shared with me that he had wanted to stay in Maine but could not find employment. He decided to move to New Jersey, where he pays taxes and supports that economy.

That story has been echoed by many other people I have met, making it clear that there are no jobs for young people in this state. Maine is losing out on motivated young people to fill the work force.

There is a clear solution to this economically detrimental situation. With the passing of LD 1181, there would be an injection of significant funds into efficiency-driven projects that would employ Mainers across the state in sustainable green jobs.

At present, such infrastructure is not available to employ educated, driven residents. LD 1181 will allow this state to become a national model for a green economic future for this country.

Robert Friedman, Lewiston