Energy corridor bill advances
Maine took another step toward establishing energy corridors after a legislative panel unanimously supported a measure to create them.
The Utilities and Energy Committee approved LD 1786, which would create a panel to review proposed energy transmission lines for electricity and fossil fuels, according to the Kennebec Journal. The bill, which is still in committee awaiting amendments, would also require projects must reduce energy costs and increase capacity for energy generation in Maine. Developers would be encouraged to build on designated corridors such as the interstate highway system and a corridor that runs from Searsport to the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. The prospective merger of Canadian utilities New Brunswick Power and Hydro-Quebec has made designating corridors crucial, since the utilities are looking to supply energy to the southern New England markets, the newspaper reported.
Revenue from leases of land for construction of corridors will go to the new Efficiency Maine Trust to promote efficiency projects, and some funds will be used to reimburse the Maine Turnpike Authority for costs related to determining the engineering standards of the transmission lines, or reviewing construction plans, according to the paper.
The bill came from recommendations made by a special commission on energy infrastructure, which twice deferred releasing its final report as members debated whether to extend a moratorium on corridor development.
Go to the article from the Kennebec Journal >>
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