Showing up matters, and policymakers appreciate hearing directly from the people driving the growth of the clean energy economy in their states. This is what we heard loud and clear from leaders in Connecticut and Maine, where we recently brought together companies working to help the states deliver on their energy and climate goals.

ACT partnered with the Northeast Chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to share our policy priorities with members of the administration and the legislature when we visited Hartford on March 6. It was a big day at the state house, as some of the most consequential bills of the session were scheduled for hearing, including S.B. 4, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access And Accountability.

In the Maine state capitol of Augusta, ACT partnered with the Maine Renewable Energy Association (MREA) for Clean Energy Day on March 11. We were fortunate to have an in-depth discussion with Director of the Governor’s Energy Office Dan Burgess and Deputy Director Celina Cunningham. Members shared impactful stories about how their businesses are helping grow the clean energy economy in Maine in a very personal and local way.

Though we couldn't have predicted that special budget deliberations would hamper our planned events, we did have some good meetings with members of the joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, House and Senate leadership and their staff.  

Particularly in these times of uncertainty, we must emphasize the positive economic impacts that our industry can deliver—keeping more energy dollars in-state and growing good jobs—all while increasing resilience and reducing harmful emissions.

To learn more about our state-specific policy priorities or to get involved in our work to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes, please contact Director of Public Policy Natalie Treat at ntreat@joinact.org.

Some of ACT and MREA’s top policy priorities for Maine include:

• Harnessing clean energy and efficiency to help control costs
• Renewable Portfolio Standard Procurement Reform
• Renewable Energy Siting & Permitting
• Equitable Access to Renewable Energy Programs
• Predictable and Fair Taxation of Renewable Energy Infrastructure
• Advanced Grid Technologies as a Default Strategy
• Innovation and Workforce Development
• Continuing Support for Offshore Wind

In Connecticut, ACT and SEIA spoke to policymakers about:

• Energy affordability
• Improving Interconnection and Proactive Grid Planning
• Advanced grid technologies
• The importance of a Uniform Capacity Tax for Solar and Storage
• Building Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency
• Pathways to support Innovation and Workforce Development
• Among other member concerns

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