Behind Lepage’s Energy Policy Lurks A Foe Of Solar And Wind

Maine’s most-contentious energy policy battle in recent years took place last spring, when Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a wide-ranging solar bill and the Legislature failed to override the veto by two votes. Many politicians and lobbyists sought to influence the governor on this issue. But the voice he heard most clearly may have come from a 63-year-old, self-taught refrigeration technician, whom LePage met at a Bangor radio station when he first ran for office seven years ago. “The governor called me and said, ‘What do you think – should I veto it?’ ” said James LaBrecque, relating the solar bill story last week.