The communities of Calais and Baileyville in Maine are joining forces and investing in fiber optic infrastructure. Recently, the city councils in both communities along with the local economic development corporation decided to construct a publicly owned dark fiber network. They’ve also chosen a local firm to construct it. Dark Fiber The idea for the project started in 2015 when the Downeast Economic … Read More
This piece for TechDirt has Karl Bode citing our Community Networks Map in his piece on a terrible, telecom-sponsored bill in the state of Maine.… Read More
Maine is the latest battleground for local telecommunications authority. A bill in the state’s House of Representatives threatens to halt investment in “The Pine Tree State” at a time when local communities are taking steps to improve their own connectivity. “I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means” Rep. Nathan Wadsworth (R-Hiram) introduced … Read More
Maine State Representative Nathan Wadsworth (R-Hiram) introduced a bill to revoke local authority over building Internet networks needed by local businesses and residents. The one-time Maine state ALEC chair introduced HP 1040 (also cross filed as LD 1516) to advantage the big cable and telephone monopolies.… Read More
Better conduit policy and One Touch Make Ready (OTMR) are two approaches seeing the state legislative limelight recently. With local examples to offer guidance, a few state lawmakers are attempting to implement similar rules. State Governments Follow Local Leads Local communities know their needs best and are best poised to make local decisions. Some have used new conduit policies like in Mount … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Ohio groundswell gathers around reinstatement of renewable energy mandates. Utah group condemns utility’s false claims to promoting renewable energy Vox’s David Roberts, in a 2-part series, seeks to break down the dominance of 20th century style electric utilities. Featured Stories: The Federal Solar Tax Credit extension: can we win if we … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: New York is leading the renewable energy revolution #SolarforAll strategy takes hold Mississippi’s perfect storm for renewables Featured Stories Opening The Door To Solar Power For All by Mark Ruffalo, The Huffington Post Utility Solar May Cost Less, But It’s Also Worth Less by John Farrell, GreenTech Solar Five Things I … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: California leaders back solar projects How caps are holding solar growth hostage Why health benefits should be part of value of solar calculation Featured Stories 100% Renewable Energy: How to Get There (Video) The White House Wants To Increase Your Access To Solar Power by Justin Worland, Time The plan will help finance solar … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Solar Energy Amendment moves forward in Florida New grid fees threaten Minnesota renewable energy producers. New York is poised to become the cleanest state in the US. Featured Stories The U.S. solar industry is shifting toward consumers by Katie Fehrenbacher, Fortune The opening of the urban commons by Greg Kats, GreenBiz The … Read More
