Testimony of Representative Sean P. Flaherty Regarding LD 1181 “An Act To Create Jobs through Investment in Green Energy”

Senator Bartlett, Representative Martin, members of the Joint Special Committee on Maine’s Energy Future, thank you for hearing us today.  My name is Sean Flaherty, and I am the State Representative for District 127, which includes part of Scarborough.

But as you may remember from last week, I feel as though I represent not only a few thousand people who happen to live to the ocean side of Route 1 in my town, but thousands of more young people who are stranded, out of state, as a result of Maine’s infamous Brain Drain.  So it is on behalf of both the folks in my home town and the rest of my generation that I stand before you today to advocate for LD 1181 – a bold and visionary plan that will transform our economy here in Maine.

At the conclusion of the Second World War, Europe was in real peril.  President Harry Truman and his top advisors knew that the crisis would call for a bold solution and strategic investments.   In the more than 60 years since the initiation of the Marshall Plan, the results for Europe and the United States have proven that the plan was exactly what those times called for.

Maine now finds itself in a moment in history where we too can capitalize on bold but strategic investments.  With growing unemployment, manufacturing on the decline, companies taking mandatory furloughs, municipalities in budget crises, and rising energy costs, there is much to be pessimistic about.

However, I truly believe that the moment provides an incredible opportunity for this state.  Last summer and fall, I went door to door in Scarborough, and told voters young and old that I thought we could help move Maine forward by getting serious about energy policy in this state.  Now that I spend my days here in Augusta, I know that there is no better way to turn our state around.

Saturday evening at Brunswick High School I had the privilege to attend a Town Hall Forum on energy policy and specifically, a bold new plan that will come before the legislature.   More than 50 people from ages 15 to 75 gathered to hear more about LD1181.  And It is clear that the issues which transcend generations include the need to curb our reliance on foreign oil, move to cleaner and sustainable energy sources, and create domestic jobs that cannot be outsourced.

It is true that many politicians are drowning the airways and newspaper columns on issues relating to a new “Green” economy.  But there are not too many who can honestly say that their livelihood and ability to live in the state in the future, depends on it.  I can.

I am lucky that my experiences and interests have afforded me opportunities in Maine at this point in my life.  But we all understand that there is a “Brain Drain” in our state.   The “Brain Drain” is a result of our economy not being able to compete with other job markets in the North East.  Without a strong economy, there are few good entry level jobs for young people to take.   With a new Green Economy growing in Maine, other industries and the entire workforce will benefit.

As President Kennedy once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

It is time that we up our investment in our young people in a way that will have high yields for the rest of our population.

Imagine what lower energy rates will do for small businesses.  Think of the money households will save after their homes are weatherized.   Picture the economy that Maine can boast when dollars spent on energy go to Mainers instead of the Middle East.  All of this is possible, but it will take bold action.   Like when Europe needed investment post-World War II, Maine needs investment to work through this economic crisis.
Remember, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Over the next 10 years, we can create thousands of good-paying, green-skilled jobs, develop a market for energy efficiency, green construction, and renewable energy sources that will result in a $300 million industry, and drastically cut energy costs for businesses, industrial consumers, and residential users.

Again, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

It is a privilege to live in Maine and an even greater one to serve my neighbors in the Legislature.  But I fear that my days of being able to make a living in Maine will be numbered without visionary changes to our economy.    There is no doubt in my mind that the future of our state, and my generation, depends greatly on our ability to come together in these times and unite behind common vision for our future.

In 1948, General George C. Marshall outlined the Plan that would soon share his name and told Americans that, “Political passion and prejudice should have no part. With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome.”

In that same spirit, I am asking you and all Mainers, regardless of party, regardless of age,  regardless of what corner of the state you call home, to understand the opportunity we have and to unite behind a vision for a new Maine economy.

A rising tide lifts all boats, and we have the opportunity to create a sea swell to ensure that it happens.

Thank you.