Solar-panel plan for Blaine House sends a message

[jpak]

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/01/20/solar-panel-plan-for-blaine-house-sends-a-message/

The Mills administration is drawing up a request for proposals over the coming weeks to install solar-electric panels on the Blaine House, an action meant to signal that Maine once again aims to be a leader in clean energy development.

First mentioned Jan. 2 by Gov. Janet Mills during her inaugural speech, the move is steeped in symbolism.

To the extent that panels on the governor’s home are visible from street level, they will make a very public policy statement. They will signal that Mills wants Maine to reclaim its place as a national innovator in energy efficiency and renewable technology and usher in a green-energy future, according to her communications director, Scott Ogden.

Unstated but obvious, the installation also will serve as a physical repudiation of the energy policies of former Gov. Paul LePage, who largely ignored concerns about climate change, and worked against solar and wind power development during his eight years in office.

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[Rhiannon12866]

1. I remember when we had solar panels on the White House

But that was during the "energy crisis" of the late '70s. They were removed when it was apparently "over" circa 1980.

[jpak]

2. Unity College in Unity Maine obtained those solar panels from the GSA

And used them to heat hot water for the cafeteria for years.

Unity College took them down after they reached the end of their service - but still uses them at recruiting events.

I touched one at the Common Ground Fair here in Maine.

A Profound Experience for me....

[Rhiannon12866]

3. I did remember that's where they ended up, so glad they continued being useful

That's very cool that you got to touch them, they really are an important historical artifact! I was reminded recently of what happened to them after President Carter left the White House. I caught part of a documentary that showed them being ripped out shortly after Reagan assumed office.