AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine leaders on Monday called on Congress to protect federal clean energy tax credits, warning that proposed cuts could hinder job growth, increase costs, and delay or cancel energy projects across the state.

At a press conference, officials said that tax incentives are crucial to sustaining momentum in Maine’s renewable energy industry. According to Governor Janet Mills’ office, two-thirds of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Lucy Hochschartner, the climate and clean energy director for Maine Conservation Voters, said the proposed changes amount to an attack on the industry.

“Let’s be honest, these rules won’t work against fossil fuel companies. That is not who the target is here,” Hochschartner said. “This will be used to gut clean energy, and that is by design. This is not reform, it’s sabotage. It’s a giveaway to polluters and is going to hurt all our personal finances and gut punch the very projects and progress that we need to see.”

The concerns stem from proposed cuts to clean energy tax incentives outlined in a federal budget reconciliation bill backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, which supporters dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

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