Responding to volatility in home heating energy prices and anticipating the passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, in January, 2009 the Legislature established (pdf) the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future to undertake a holistic assessment of diverse energy issues. In an effort to design a comprehensive process by which energy-related funds are allocated by the State, the 17-member Committee conducted a review of Maine's current approach to energy planning and received testimony from an array of stakeholders.
Today, Governor Baldacci signed the resulting legislation, LD 1485 (pdf), An Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future, into law. The new law is the culmination of six months of effort by the Select Committee; highlights include:
- Consolidation of various conservation and energy efficiency programs, including electrical, natural gas, and greenhouse gas, into a newly established Efficiency Maine Trust, which will oversee the creation, planning and implementation of energy efficiency and alternative energy resource programs;
- Articulation of efficiency, emissions and consumptions goals intended to reduce Maine's usage of foreign fuels;
- Creation of the Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Program to be run by the Maine State Housing Authority, which establishes funding sources for affordable housing;
- Establishment of a legislative Commission to study efficiency infrastructure, especially energy corridors, cables, pipelines, and other structures, with Commission recommendations due by December 2, 2009; and
- Placement of a moratorium until mid-2010 on the final permitting of certain energy corridors and facilities, pending any legislative recommendations.
The new law is effective immediately in order to allow the Governor to start the appointment process for the members of the newly established nine-person Board which will oversee the new Trust. The Trust in turn will commence its duties and activities starting July 1, 2010.
Several members of the Pierce Atwood Energy Practice Group were actively involved with the creation of the new law, and specific questions regarding LD 1485 should be directed to Pattie Aho.
Comments