By Tux Turkel

Maine could cut its energy bills by at least $10 billion and create 10,000 jobs over the next decade with a comprehensive economic, energy and work force development plan, an education and work force advocacy group said today. The plan also could generate $300 million a year in market opportunities for Maine businesses, the group said.

Details of the plan were contained in a report by Portland-based Opportunity Maine. It was released as part of an Earth Day news conference with supporters and business people in Brunswick.

The report looked at states that have succeeded, and failed, to lay a foundation for prospering in a green economy. The case studies are meant to provide examples for policy makers and legislators as they debate how to meet Maine’s energy needs. Crucial to the effort, the report said, will be using federal economic stimulus grants to help develop a work force that can take complement the development of green jobs.

Efficiency must be a major part of any plan, the report said. It said the state should set a goal of meeting 30 percent of its energy needs by 2020 through efficiency. Rechanneling some energy spending to develop a high-quality work force, including laid-off and low-income workers, should be part of the strategy.

Read the full report and background information on how energy policy is taking shape in Maine.