Gov. John E. Baldacci recognized the Maine Legislature and the public and private partners who worked to further Maine's goals to achieve energy independence by ceremonially signing five bills on May 11 that take steps to achieve clean energy goals.
Gov. John E. Baldacci recognized the Maine Legislature and the public and private partners who worked to further Maine's goals to achieve energy independence by ceremonially signing five bills on May 11 that take steps to achieve clean energy goals.
Augusta - Gov. John E. Baldacci recognized the Maine Legislature and the public and private partners who worked to further Maine's goals to achieve energy independence by ceremonially signing five bills on May 11 that take steps to achieve clean energy goals.
One piece of legislation signed was a bill introduced by Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, that will allow municipalities to establish Property Assessed Clean Energy or "PACE" programs to offer low-cost financing for residential weatherization, as well as commercial and industrial energy efficiency, weatherization and green generation projects.
Crockett's bill, LD 1717, "An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses," and four other energy bills …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Augusta - Gov. John E. Baldacci recognized the Maine Legislature and the public and private partners who worked to further Maine's goals to achieve energy independence by ceremonially signing five bills on May 11 that take steps to achieve clean energy goals.
One piece of legislation signed was a bill introduced by Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, that will allow municipalities to establish Property Assessed Clean Energy or "PACE" programs to offer low-cost financing for residential weatherization, as well as commercial and industrial energy efficiency, weatherization and green generation projects.
Crockett's bill, LD 1717, "An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses," and four other energy bills were passed in the last legislative session.
"Maine's energy, environment and economic landscape will be improved for generations to come, and Maine people will benefit by being healthier and more economically secure thanks to your support of green energy development," said Baldacci. "For far too long we've been dependent on fossil fuels to heat our homes, power our industries and transport goods and people. Together, we are pursuing clean, renewable, home-grown energy that will enable us to kick the oil habit."
Tthe four other pieces of energy legislation the governor signed include:
LD 1786, "An act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development" calls for the designated corridors to be used only if likely to reduce electric rates and otherwise benefit the long-term public interest of the state, including not adversely impacting renewable energy generation in Maine. The revenues from the use of state assets are also directed to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy, including alternative transportation.
LD 1535, "An Act to Create a Smart Grid Policy in the State" will ensure that all Maine ratepayers benefit from smart grid technology that saves energy, increases reliability, reduces costs and provides consumers with more options.
LD 1504, "An Act to Provide Predictable Benefits to Maine Communities That Host Wind Energy Developments" clarifies that, as the state aggressively pursues wind power, wind energy development projects must demonstrate a community benefits package valued at no less than $4,000 per year per wind turbine, in addition to property tax benefits and jobs created by the project.
LD 1810, "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Governor's Ocean Energy Task Force" advances development of Maine's vast renewable ocean energy resource as quickly as possible, yet in an environmentally responsible way; establishes a state goal of 5 gigawatts of energy generation from facilities located in coastal waters by 2030; and enacts a clear permitting system for projects in state waters and clarifies leasing of submerged lands for ocean energy projects.
For more information on the energy legislation passed in this legislative session, visit .maine.gov/legis