As part of the Northeast Clean Energy Council’s (NECEC) fifth annual Maine Clean Energy Day, clean energy business leaders visited the Maine State House today to advocate for the Legislature’s continued support for solar and energy efficiency policies that will support the state’s clean energy industry and bring economic and environmental benefits to the state.

As part of Maine Clean Energy Day, NECEC recognized Energy Committee Co-Chairs Representative Seth Berry and Senator David Woodsome as its 2017 Clean Energy Champions. Representative Berry and Senator Woodsome have shown great leadership in advancing the clean energy economy in Maine through support for legislation to expand Maine’s solar industry and to protect and expand energy efficiency programs.

“Strong clean energy policy that supports solar and energy efficiency will continue to spur growth of good-paying, sustainable jobs in Maine’s economy,” said NECEC Executive Vice President Janet Gail Besser. “In addition to growing jobs, Maine clean energy businesses are helping ratepayers manage their energy use, while expanding clean and affordable energy.”

Today, NECEC released its 2017 Maine Clean Energy Policy Priorities, which outline key legislative priorities to advance clean energy in Maine. NECEC’s main policy priority is the passage of solar legislation to restore and protect net energy billing for existing and future customers, implement a solar incentive program, and remove obstacles inhibiting access to community shared solar. Other priorities include supporting the state’s energy efficiency programs, participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and maintaining Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, a key policy for promoting renewable energy adoption in a competitive, market-based framework.

About NECEC

NECEC (Northeast Clean Energy Council & NECEC Institute) is the premier voice of businesses building a world-class clean energy hub in the Northeast, helping clean energy companies start, scale and succeed with our unique business, innovation and policy leadership. NECEC includes the Northeast Clean Energy Council (a nonprofit business member organization), and NECEC Institute (a nonprofit focused on industry research, innovation, policy development and communications initiatives). NECEC brings together business leaders and key stakeholders to engage in influential policy discussions and business initiatives while building connections that propel the clean energy industry forward.