Maine has the oldest housing stock in the country, 80% of it heated with heating oil, and a commercial and industrial building stock in desperate need of modernization.

At the same time, people are feeling threatened by a rapidly deteriorating economy and high and volatile energy costs. Given our economic and energy crises and the temporary lull in heating fuel prices, there is no better time than now to think big. We have an opportunity to change course and meet our energy needs in a way that costs much less, creates more jobs and reduces our impact on the environment.

The Green Jobs, Green Savings legislation, authored by Opportunity Maine and introduced by Rep. Seth Berry, would: Create thousands of good-paying, green-skilled jobs

• Develop a $300+ million yearly market for energy efficiency and green building entrepreneurs and businesses
• Dramatically cut energy costs for our homes, businesses and factories
• Implement a streamlined, economy-wide strategy to make Maine’s built environment at least 30% more energy efficient and reduce Maine’s impact on climate change

How do we do it? We will re-channel a portion of future energy spending into efficiency and workforce investments here in Maine and provide grants to:

• Homeowners and businesses to invest in cost-effective efficiency projects that reduce their energy bills.
• Individuals who want to gain the education and training they need for jobs in the new energy sector.
• Regional and community partnerships to develop green-skilled career ladders that will lift low-income and laid-off Mainers out of poverty and into family-sustaining jobs.

With your help, we can make this happen! By 2020, Maine would meet over half of its energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy while creating a prosperous and sustainable economy, making Maine a model for the nation!