Kerry to Present Maine Comprehensive Energy Plan
Tuesday, March 3, 6 p.m. Laurette Ayotte Auditorium

WATERVILLE, Feb. 27 - John Kerry, Director of Maine's Office of Energy Independence and Security, will outline Maine's plan to reduce dependence on foreign oil and stimulate the state's economy at a presentation at Thomas College next Tuesday, March 3. The presentation, organized by the Mid-Maine Sustainability Coalition and open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. in the Ayotte Auditorium.

In the presentation Kerry will outline the Maine Comprehensive Energy Plan and identify opportunities for state collaboration with the Mid-Maine area.

Thomas College Professor Dr. John Joseph, Chair of the Mid-Maine Sustainability Coalition's Energy Committee, helped organize the event. He believes the plan addresses the need to change the way we use energy.

"It is becoming more evident daily that our economic system needs revitalization and one of the central economic imbalances continues to be our overdependence on petroleum, where long term shortages and price shocks are inevitable" says Dr. Joseph.

"Our region is well positioned to benefit from the coming transition that will create numerous good local jobs," he says.

Waterville City Manager Mike Roy helped convene the three-day meeting in January that created the Mid-Maine Sustainability Coalition. He is excited about the Kerry event and the prospect for change in the region.

"Communities and individuals can make a difference," says Roy. "The Coalition's work shows that we do not have to wait for state or federal initiatives to take action; in fact, we can provide the leadership to spur others to act."

The Coalition was formed after the three-day meeting this January of sixty five representative members from the greater Waterville area. The Coalition's eight committees have since begun work on numerous projects.

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