ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Capping off a two year span that environmental advocates are saying may be the best biennium for environmental legislation in at least 20 years, the Maine Legislature developed a low-interest loan program for clean energy geothermal heating units; adopted the governor’s wind power task force suggestions to advance wind power development; and passed a law to minimize carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Summary of New Environment & Energy Laws Passed By The Maine Legislature In 2008

1942 - Develop a geothermal low interest loan program

Encourages renewable energy and helps consumers to save on energy costs by offering low-interest loans for the installation of clean energy geothermal heating units

2056 – Reduce pollution and save fuel by restricting excessive engine idling

Prohibits certain commercial vehicles from excessive engine idling, with exceptions for some industries and weather conditions

2126 - Minimize carbon emissions from coal plants

Sets a three-year moratorium on new coal-fired power plants until the state is able to establish strict guidelines to minimize emissions

2247 – Move toward leaving ISO New England in order to reduce energy costs for Maine consumers

Requires Maine transmission and distribution utilities to develop a plan to leave the ISO New England Regional energy compact if the state determines that it is not in the best interests of Maine energy consumers

2283 – Adopt the wind power task force report recommendations

Streamlines and standardizes the process for a wind farm to be approved in certain regions