Becky's Diner in Portland, Maine, has been using solar panels to heat water in the diner's kitchen for years, making it the perfect location to release Environment America's report, "Shining Cities: At the Forefront of America's Solar Energy Revolution." The news conference, attended by Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and U.S. Representative and gubernatorial candidate Mike Michaud, promoted the potential for expansion of solar power in Portland.
Mayor Brennan said, "Given the threat of climate change to Portland Harbor, we should be doing everything that we can to harness pollution-free solar energy. I'm proud that Portland is a green city, but we only scratched the surface on solar power. I hope to improve Portland's solar ranking, building on the great leadership of Becky's Diner, East Brown Cow Management, and other Portland business leaders and homeowners."