Maine Legislature Passes Pair of Critical Energy Bills

Maine State House. Photo: Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock

June 19, 2019 (PORTLAND, ME) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today after Maine’s Legislature passed two bills that aim to increase the use of renewable energy in the state.

“It’s time we leave dirty, polluting fossil fuel plants in the past,” said Emily Green, Staff Attorney at CLF. “The future of energy is clean and local, and these bills come not a moment too soon. Our communities will now be able to harness Maine’s natural resources to power homes and businesses. We must all do our part to preserve a livable planet while we still have time.”

The bills would expand access to solar energy across Maine and ensure the development of more renewable power. An Act to Reform Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard would require the state to achieve 80% renewables by 2030, a major accomplishment and huge step toward combatting the climate crisis. An Act to Promote Solar Energy Projects and Distributed Generation Resources in Maine would attract investment and create jobs by encouraging the growth of solar.

The bills now move to Governor Mills’ desk for her signature.

CLF experts are available for further comment.

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