Maine CD2 Candidates Agree on US Energy, Dispute Methods

TL/DR –

The candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District have differing views on renewable energy and transportation policy. Democratic incumbent, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, supports the Inflation Reduction Act, which funds a transition to clean energy, and encourages a diverse approach to American energy sources. His opponent, Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault, favors clean, American-made energy and considers nuclear energy as an appropriate sustainable power generation source, but has yet to state if he would support a nuclear power plant in Maine.

Maine’s 2nd District Candidates Disagree on Clean Energy Path

Candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, despite both championing homegrown energy and cleaner power sources, disagree on how to achieve this. Their stances on aspects of environmental and energy policy, primarily offshore wind and transportation electrification, reveal party divisions. Democrats show strong support for renewable energy, while Republicans express concerns about high cost burdens on ratepayers.

Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault, opposing Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, did not respond directly to questions. Therefore, his positions were gleaned from social media and statements made during televised debates.Twitter.

In debates, Golden staunchly defended his vote for the Inflation Reduction Act which provided funding and incentives for states to transition to clean energy. He supports an “all-of-the-above” approach for American energy sources and praised the Act for its balance of traditional and renewable energy sources.

Despite labeling the Inflation Reduction Act a “green scam,” Theriault expressed his commitment during a debate to reform energy policy to bring more clean, American-made energy online without increasing costs for ratepayers.

Offshore Wind Controversies

Maine is working towards the development of an offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Maine, capable of producing three gigawatts of energy by 2040, as per state law. Commercial leases off the coast of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire will soon be auctioned and Maine is already preparing a research array with up to 12 floating turbines.

Theriault opposes offshore wind due to potential harm to Maine’s lobster industry and criticises the Inflation Reduction Act for its incentives for wind energy projects. Golden however, defends offshore wind as a state-level issue and blames increases on ratepayers on state legislature legislation. Both candidates agree on protecting lobster industry interests.

Electrifying Transportation

Earlier this year, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection considered and ultimately rejected the Advanced Clean Cars II Act, which would have required 82% of new vehicles sold in the state to be electric by 2032.

Golden believes that “Mainers deserve a policy that works in Maine, not just in California,” highlighting that electrification is challenging for Maine due to its weather and low population density. Theriault also opposed the Act, which he described as an “EV mandate.”

Recently, Maine has received federal funding for electric vehicle charging station deployment and an electric ferry program pilot from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Golden’s campaign stated that any taxpayer dollars spent on electric vehicle infrastructure must be used for American-made components.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides up to $7,500 in tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, with income caps for eligibility. Golden’s campaign expressed his desire to lower the income cap, stating that households earning $300,000 annually do not need government tax breaks for new EVs.

For views on these issues from other federal office candidates, visit this link.

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