Gov. John E. Baldacci, D-Maine, ceremonially signed five bills that take steps to achieve clean energy goals. The bills include L.D.1786, An Act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development; L.D.1535, An Act to Create a Smart Grid Policy in the State; L.D.1717, An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses; L.D.1504, An Act to Provide Predictable Benefits to Maine Communities That Host Wind Energy Developments; and L.D.1810, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Governor's Ocean Energy Task Force.
‘Maine's energy, environment and economic landscape will be improved for generations to come, and Maine people will benefit by being healthier and more economically secure, thanks to your support of green energy development,’ says Baldacci.
L.D.1786 calls for designated energy corridors to be used only if they are likely to reduce electric rates and otherwise benefit the long-term public interest of the state, including not adversely impacting renewable energy generation in Maine. The revenues from the use of state assets are also directed to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy.
L.D.1504 clarifies that as the state seeks to aggressively pursue wind power, minimum benefits to ratepayers in host communities are demonstrated. As part of a permit application, expedited wind energy development projects must demonstrate a community benefits package valued at no less than $4,000 per year per wind turbine, in addition to property-tax benefits and jobs created by the project.
L.D.1810, based on the recommendations of the Ocean Energy Task Force, advances the development of Maine's vast renewable ocean energy resource as quickly as possible, yet in an environmentally responsible way. The bill establishes a goal of 5 GW of energy generation from facilities located in coastal waters by 2030.
A competitive process will be conducted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission for long-term contracting from one or more deepwater offshore wind energy pilot projects up to 25 MW or tidal demonstration projects up to 5 MW.
SOURCE: Office of Gov. John E. Baldacci
