Gov. John E. Baldacci, D-Maine, has signed into law L.D.1485, legislation regarding Maine's energy future.
The law establishes the Efficiency Maine Trust and Board, bringing together under one roof Maine's energy rebate, efficiency and conservation programs. The board will design, coordinate and integrate energy efficiency, weatherization and alternative energy programs in the state for all energy consumers.
‘Maine is a leader in addressing clean, renewable energy and pursuing green jobs,’ says Baldacci. ‘This law is a significant and bold next step. It sets the course for ambitious and achievable measures to reduce the stranglehold of fossil fuels on our pocketbooks and the environment.’
In addition, the law sets the following goals:
– reducing peak electric energy consumption by 100 MW by 2020;
– reducing the state's consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30% by 2030;
– building private-sector jobs in clean energy businesses;
– reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
– achieving significant reductions in electricity and natural gas by 2020.
The law also sets up a reasonable process for managing opportunities to take advantage of Maine's location to develop new renewable energy resources.
SOURCE: Office of Gov. John E. Baldacci
