Maine Democratic Party

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Press Releases

For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2010

Contact:
Mary Erin Casale
mecasale@mainedems.org
(207) 622-6233

LePage Too Extreme: Supports Oil Drilling Off Maine's Coast

AUGUSTA- Tuesday, a small businessman and a lifelong environmentalist joined forces to criticize GOP nominee for governor Paul LePage for his support of drilling off of Maine's coast. When asked at the May 27 Maine Public Broadcasting Network candidates debate if he would support off shore drilling here, LePage answered with an unequivocal "Yes." At that time, the BP disaster had been gushing oil for 37 days, causing extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats and decimating the region's fishing and tourism industries. Yet, LePage announced his approval of drilling with a loud and clear "Yes." In a previous interview, LePage went even further, deriding the Public Utilities Commission because they "fought drilling off the coast of Maine". (http://wwwseacoastonline.com/articles/20100422-NEWS-4220423)

Paul LePage's stance on drilling fits with his extreme position on environmental conservation and protection. The Mayor has even gone as far as calling global warming a hoax (Aroostook Watchmen Interview). He has said that on "day two" of his administration, he would tackle the Department of Environmental Protection regulations that

"serve no purpose except to cost businesses money." (http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100422-NEWS-4220423) LePage has also called for the closing of the Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Protection (At: 48:55 (Podcast 157) "Aroostook Watchmen" http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss52956.xml). Mayor LePage even wants to site a Nuclear Power plant in Brunswick, "In 20 years I would like to see a nuclear power plant in Loring, one in Brunswick " (1: 21 46 (Podcast 231) "Aroostook Watchmen" http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss52956.xml).

"Conservation of our natural resources and protection of outdoor traditions remain extremely important to Mainers of all political stripes. LePage's stance may be in line with the 'drill baby drill' anthem of the Tea Party, but it is certainly out of step with Mainers," said Arden Manning Campaign Manager for Victory 2010.

"Oil riches in Maine are a classic 'pipe dream,' we need toquestion the judgment of a candidate who promises us such fools' gold," saidRepresentative Jon Hinck (D-118), a former project director at the NationalResources Council of Maine. "Paul LePage wants to gut environmental protection;perhaps he wants the Gulf of Maine to be more like today's Gulf of Mexico? Perhapsthere should be more mercury and PCBs in trout and bass we catch in Maine? Ormaybe we should stop collecting and recycling electronic waste and return toburying toxic products in the town dump?"

Shep Erhart, the president and founder of Maine Coast SeaVegetables, depends on the pristine quality of the waters in Downeast Maine torun his business. "Drilling off the coast of Maine is highly undesirable. Ifsomething were to happen like the BP spill, there would be no current to washit away and it would destroy our industry. Our harvest, like so many others,depends on our unspoiled waters. Energy capacity in the state should beincreased with wind power or tidal or solar, but not off-shore oil drilling."

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