News

Maine’s Zero-Carbon Goals Deemed Achievable Despite Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Maine’s Zero-Carbon Goals Deemed Achievable Despite Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine energy officials have released a new plan highlighting the state’s progress in adopting clean energy technologies while acknowledging its continued reliance on fossil fuels. The Maine Energy Plan, unveiled on Friday, emphasizes advances in electric heat pumps and electric vehicles, and sets ambitious targets for offshore wind and clean energy jobs.

Despite these strides, Maine remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with petroleum accounting for nearly 50% of the state’s energy consumption. However, the plan asserts that Maine’s goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2040 is both achievable and beneficial, potentially reducing overall energy costs.

The Governor’s Energy Office praised the state’s nation-leading adoption of heat pumps and the expansion of its electric vehicle infrastructure. Officials believe that as Maine transitions to more efficient electric options, the state’s reliance on costly fossil fuels will decrease, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Latest Headlines

18 hours ago in Entertainment

‘Stand by Me’ stars reflect on the movie, Rob Reiner and its return to theaters 40 years later

Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton were already thinking about "Stand by Me" when Rob Reiner died in December. Just a week prior, the trio spent a weekend together attending some screenings of Reiner's beloved coming-of-age film, which was about to turn 40.

18 hours ago in Sports, Trending

March Madness: Here’s one thing you need to know about each of the 16 teams remaining in men’s field

Florida isn't around to defend its title anymore, but all the other top seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament are still around. And many of them are winning convincingly.

18 hours ago in Entertainment

Stephen Colbert and son will co-write a ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie

Stephen Colbert, famous devotee to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, is co-writing a "Lord of the Rings" movie with his son. Warner Bros. announced early Wednesday that Colbert will script "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past" along with series veteran Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, Colbert's son.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Here’s how to recycle those old laptops, iPhones and earbuds lying around

Many consumers are guilty of filling drawers or closets with old laptops, cellphones, fitness trackers and other electronic devices once they are no longer needed. It's hard to know where to recycle those items, or it seems costly and inconvenient.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Now a true pop star, Miley Cyrus returns to her ‘Hannah Montana’ roots to fete anniversary special

Sporting that "Hannah Montana" blond hair and bangs, Miley Cyrus went back to her roots — celebrating 20 years of the TV show that launched the career of a real-life pop star.