Sen. Lawrence, Rep. Grohoski receive Community Solar Champion Award

Posted: November 05, 2021 | Senator Lawrence

AUGUSTA – Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, and Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, join 24 individuals and organizations across the United States in receiving the 2021 Community Solar Champion Award from the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA). 

Sen. Mark Lawrence

CCSA is a national coalition of businesses and nonprofits working to expand customer choice and access to solar energy. The recipients of the 2021 Community Solar Champion Award were chosen based on their dedication to supporting and expanding community solar programs around the country. Community solar projects serve an important role in expanding the use of renewable energy around Maine. People who use community solar have the opportunity to enjoy equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar power without the requirement of owning a home or living in a single family unit. 

“I am honored to be named one of CCSA’s Community Solar Champions for 2021,” said Sen. Lawrence. “It is incredibly important that we find practical, sustainable ways for all Mainers to take advantage of the benefits of solar power. Working with CCSA this session to get closer to realizing that goal was an honor.”

“Renewable energy sources like solar are now cost competitive with carbon-emitting fossil fuels,” said Rep. Grohoski. “Community solar projects allow all Maine people and businesses to benefit from clean, affordable and fixed-cost energy. I’m delighted that our efforts, in partnership with CCSA, have increased consumer choice and moved Maine one step further in addressing the climate crisis.” 

Lawrence and Grohoski were cosponsors of Maine’s landmark, bipartisan solar energy legislation in 2019 and leaders on Maine’s Net Energy Billing Legislative Subcommittee. They were essential in the recent passage of LD 936, sponsored by Rep. Seth Berry, which amends Maine’s laws for existing and future community solar projects.

Lawrence is chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. He is serving his sixth nonconsecutive term in the Maine State Senate, representing Senate District 35, which includes the towns of Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, York and part of Berwick.

Grohoski, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton.