The Clean Power Plan & Maine’s Economy

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When the EPA announced the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants in August, Evergreen joined Maine’s climate activists in applause. Then we got to work building support for the Clean Power Plan through editorials Congressional visits. Though the Senate recently voted to block the Plan, the political battle is far from over.

The Clean Power Plan sets state-by-state targets to reduce carbon emissions from power plants by 32% by 2030. It gives states flexibility in how they meet those targets, and suggests the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as a possible path. This market-based collaboration between nine Northeast states, including Maine, limits total carbon pollution that power plants can emit regionally and allows the free market to determine which plants emit how much. Since 2007, this cap and trade system has reduced climate-changing carbon pollution, spurred investments in energy efficiency and clean energy, and a significant boost to our economy.    

 

In the Bangor Daily News, Evergreen President Richard Burbank cites RGGI’s positive impact on Maine’s economy. In addition to generating funds for programs, operated by Efficiency Maine, that lower energy costs for homeowners and businesses of all sizes, RGGI has encouraged the development of Maine’s homegrown energy resources. Job growth and energy security are two powerful reasons to support the Clean Power Plan.

 

In September, Evergreen Marketing Manager Kathleen Meil (far right in photo) joined climate change advocates in Washington, DC. Members of the Maine contingent (left) met with all four members of our Congressional delegation and shared the impact of climate change on farming, fishing, health, the economy, and our environment.

The Clean Power Plan was published in the Federal Register in October, notifying states that they must submit plans to meet their carbon reduction targets by September 2016. Twenty states are already on track to be more than halfway toward meeting their 2030 Clean Power Plan final targets, with 16 states, including Maine, set to surpass them. Despite this, the Plan faces opposition, especially from states in which coal plays a significant part in the economy, and the political battle is likely to heat up at the major international climate meeting in Paris this month.

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The team members were very professional, worked very hard, paid very close attention to detail and cleaned up meticulously every day. I really appreciated the care they took knowing the smallest details were going to make a big difference to our heating bills. Thank you!

Pam B.

Brunswick

We just finished a large project of air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic which had been completely renovated 8 years ago but still felt cold and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

Emily Gallant

The crew members from Evergreen Home Performance each made sure to greet us every day, while maintaining their distance in this time of the pandemic. Their work took a total of nine days, spread over three weeks. Even though they were working in multiple rooms of our house, as well as the basement and attic, they were unobtrusive and always cleaned up after themselves every day. The on-sight manager kept us informed of their daily schedule so we'd know which parts of the house they'd be working on.

Bob & Sue

Whitefield

Led by Brian Robinson, the Evergreen Home Performance team just completed an insulation refit at my home. It was truly a great experience from start to finish, a period of time that was a fraction of the time that I originally anticipated due to the team's unbelievable work habits and professional knowledge of their tasks. As impressive were the communication skills and friendliness of each and every member of the team.

Anne W.

Rockport

Evergreen Home Performance shows its expertise from start to finish. Evergreen did three house projects in winter/spring/summer 2020 for me, attic insulation, crawl space under a porch insulation, and basement foam/vapor barrier. From my initial discussion with Bryan, I understood the reasons for choosing different types of insulation, the associated costs, and time estimates. Evergreen scheduled in advance, came when they said they would, and the crews were highly professional in their work and demeanor.

Iris S.

Portland

We initially contacted Evergreen through Efficiency Maine for an energy audit, which was conducted promptly and professionally by Justin McEdward, one of their Energy Advisors who is BPI-certified. After a thorough inspection of our newly purchased home, Justin explained in great detail what we needed and did not need. It was agreed that Evergreen would remove all of the existing attic insulation, which was not adequate, and replace it with blown in cellulose, to a rating of R-60.

Thomas W.

Scarborough

I made the mistake of NOT hiring this company last year when I bought and renovated my home. I have brought them in now and what a difference. This group knows what they are doing. They take a complete look at everything and believe they can make your home more energy efficient. They are very professional in the way they approach problems and solutions. And they find ways to save me money. Don't bother with anyone else. Bring Evergreen in before you do anything. Let them assess your issues and give you the right solutions.

Shaw

Owls Head

Evergreen removed and replaced the insulation in my attic. They did a great job!, Crew was excellent, and the whole thing went smoothly, and the attic was NOT easy to get into or work in, so kudos to some hard work done well!

Joel A.

Portland

We are so pleased with the work the team from Evergreen Home Performance did in our home. The project included encapsulation of our basement with a reinforced vapor barrier, installation of a sump pump, spray foam insulation on the walls and insulation of the heating duct work. Everyone at Evergreen was friendly and professional. The project was completed on time and in budget. Our home is much cozier and warmer since the project was completed.

Linda Metzger

I cant say enough about this company and the benefits that it created for our family. They are very professional and have effectively re-insulated our home. The heating bill proves the point.

Bob O.

Springvale

Evergreen did a fantastic job insulating our 1930's home. The onsite team was professional, clean, and really just a joy to interact with throughout the process. A blower test at the end showed a significant decrease in air leakage. I highly recommend Evergreen.

Kristen H.

South Portland

Great company. Very professional and thorough. They take the time to explain everything and offer options to fit your budget. Wonderful experience from start to finish.

Bonnie Eustace

Our house still the most efficient home we’ve ever lived in. And we have you folks to thank for that! A special howdy to Brian Robinson please!

Bruce O’Donal and Eva Butler

My husband and I bought a home on the water in Owls Head and decided to make the investment in Evergreen's recommendations for insulation. Brian Robinson spent 3 hours examining every nook and cranny before he made practical suggestions and explained them thoroughly to us.

Marie McNeely

Owls Head

A thorough inspection of our (older) house and its energy needs. Competent and personable work crew.

Jacob Watson

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