House Majority Leader advocates for new approach to transportation and energy policy

Rep. Piotti wants state to address transportation energy efficiency

March 3, 2009

AUGSUTA—House Majority Leader John Piotti notes that there is one major missing piece to the conversation about energy efficiency in Maine: transportation policy. The state often reviews policies related to alternative energy, weatherization and home energy efficiencies, and making steps to improve these areas has been a priority for years. What has not been addressed is the role of creating efficiencies in our transportation system, and a new proposal by Piotti would change that.

“If we talk about energy, we have to talk about transportation,” said Majority Leader Piotti. “Fifty percent of our energy usage is transportation, and much of that is the use of automobiles. We have many efficiency programs in other areas of energy policy, but not much of it addresses transportation. It just makes sense to make transportation efficiency policies a priority.”

The bill, L.D. 847, would direct the Maine Department of Transportation to “evaluate existing transportation laws, rules and policies . . . identifying their strengths and weaknesses and how they might be changed to meet the objective of saving energy.” The study would have to include the Executive Department, the State Planning Office and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Other state agencies that determine land use patterns would also be included, along with the Maine Municipal Association, regional planning entities, metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning commissions and interest groups affected by those transportation laws, rules and policies. After the department’s evaluation and receipt of public input, additional legislation addressing the recommendations of the study would be introduced with the aim of moving new policies forward.

“The main charge of this study would be to ensure that transportation policy will also be included in the discussion about energy efficiency,” said Majority Leader Piotti. “State government needs to affirm that process, and I think it would be a very positive step forward with long lasting impact.”

The legislation will be scheduled for a public hearing in the coming weeks.

Contact:

Majority Leader John Piotti, 287-1430
Ryan MacDonald, senior legislative aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, communications director, 287-1433