Legislators fail to override veto of popular solar energy bill
August 2, 2017 (PORTLAND, ME) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today in response to the failure of the Maine legislature to override Governor LePage’s veto of a bipartisan bill supporting solar power in the state. The bill, which initially won approval from the legislature in June, was designed to overturn the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) rule that will charge customers for the energy they generate and hamper the growth of the solar energy market in Maine.
“Today’s failure is one that has a direct impact on the wallets of businesses and families across our state,” said CLF attorney Emily Green. “Despite the bill’s overwhelming passage in June and widespread public support, clean energy in Maine has once again fallen victim to Governor LePage’s and utilities’ anti-progress stance. Regardless of this regressive decision by the legislature, CLF will continue fighting to ensure that solar power has a bright future in Maine.”
A challenge to the PUC rule initiated by CLF and several other organizations will continue to move forward at the Maine Law Court.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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