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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

Maine voters consider costs, climate in public utility amendment

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Monday, November 6, 2023   

An amendment on Tuesday's ballot in Maine to transfer ownership of the state's two private utilities to the public is considered a dead heat.

Question Three asks whether the assets of Central Maine Power and Versant Power should be transferred to a new nonprofit consumer-owned utility called the Pine Tree Company.

Pine Tree Power Campaign Manager Al Cleveland said utilities owned by foreign governments and corporations fail to adequately serve local committees and have slowed the transition to clean energy.

"Having a public power company to serve Maine," said Cleveland, "will give us the ability to have greater participation in our democracy and in our communities."

Opponents say the transfer of ownership would be too expensive. That includes Gov. Janet Mills, who calls the amendment a "hostile takeover" which could take decades to litigate in court.

A nationwide poll shows a majority of voters approve of public utility control as a way to quicken the transition to clean energy and help communities implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

If approved, voters would next elect their new utility's board of directors, who would hire private businesses to run operations and grid maintenance, even customer service.

Cleveland said local control would ensure greater savings and benefits for ratepayers versus profits for shareholders.

People want to be able to pay their bill every month," said Cleveland, "know that their lights will be kept on, and know where their money is going.

Still, opponents say the idea is too risky.

Maine already has ten consumer-owned utilities serving nearly 100 towns, but it would be the first in the nation to attempt a public takeover of existing private utilities.





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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

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