Maine Governor’s Statement on President Barack Obama’s Auto Emissions Announcement

January 26, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci said that he was encouraged by President Barack Obama’s policy announcement today regarding energy and the environment. Specifically, the President directed federal regulators and the U.S. Department of Transportation to pursue policies that will lead to a cleaner environment and higher automobile fuel efficiency standards.

In 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied a waiver to the State of California to implement more stringent motor vehicle standards than federal limits. Maine, along with more than 12 other states, had sought the right to adopt the California standards. President Obama’s direction to the EPA would ensure a review of the request by California, Maine and the other states to adopt stricter vehicle emissions.

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“Maine has led the way in pursuing energy independence and a clean environment,” said Governor Baldacci. “We now have a partner in Washington, D.C., who understands the need to promote clean, renewable energy. I am pleased that President Obama today outlined a clear vision for our national energy future and will support flexibility for states in regards to environmental policy.”

The Governor also praised the President’s focus on building renewable energy sources through his proposed federal stimulus package.

“I had the pleasure of talking personally to President Obama shortly after his election and we discussed the absolute necessity of pursuing clean, renewable, home-grown energy sources,” said the Governor. “Reducing our dependency on fossil fuels will benefit our economy now and in the future. I hope that the stimulus package and future energy and infrastructure policy will complement where Maine has been going and will continue to lead.”

Among other notable achievements in recent years, Maine is the first state government in the nation to buy 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Maine is part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an innovative regional approach to reducing carbon emissions.

Source: Maine Governor