Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
The Legislature's Energy, Technology and Utilities Committee has merged nine different energy proposals into one bill that balances Gov. Paul LePage's calls for reduced energy costs and natural gas expansion with Democratic leaders' calls for energy efficiency investments.
But the Portland Press Herald reported the governor is still not pleased with the bipartisan proposal.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the bill would hand management of a new program to the Efficiency Maine Trust to provide homeowners rebates for converting from oil heat to other sources — like wood pellets, natural gas or propane.
To expand natural gas infrastructure, Rep. Kenneth Fredette, R-Newport, previously proposed forming a new state agency. The bill unveiled Tuesday instead would allow the state to issue bonds through the Finance Authority of Maine to finance natural gas pipelines. It would also allow the state's Pubic Utilities Commission to ink contracts with companies to expand pipelines in the state and to require companies with existing pipelines to allow new connections, for which the company would be compensated.
The proposal also would redirect around $6.6 million, or one-third, of the funds Maine gets from a regional cap-and-trade program to provide rebates to homeowners switching off oil heat systems. The LePage administration wants all the funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to finance heating-system conversions.
The committee's House chairman, Rep. Barry Hobbins, said he wants the committee to vote on the bill and send it to the full Legislature early next week.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments