Challenges and Opportunities for Climate Action in Rural Maine

Abstract

This project sought to engage with rural Maine residents, particularly those experiencing poverty, aging in place, participating in municipal government, or operating small businesses to inform the Maine Climate Plan of 2025. We used a mixed-methods approach, with surveys and focus group interviews with consenting survey respondents. Most participants lived in Washington County, Maine. Results showed widespread interest in energy efficiency and electrification options, but participants faced multiple barriers to implementation due to cost and grid unreliability. Housing and heating insecurity were major problems with many participants living in inefficient or unsafe housing with minimal access to government assistance. Many were concerned that rural parts of Maine would experience undue burdens and insufficient benefits from the Maine Climate Plan, particularly with increased land conservation affecting local property taxes and energy-related programs that may be inaccessible or impractical for rural people.