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Home > Senators > Senator Libby Mitchell

President to Present Legislation to the Committee on Maine’s Energy Future

March 24, 2009

Contact: David Loughran, (207) 287-1558

Augusta- On Wednesday, March 25, 2009 the Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future will hold public hearings on LD 774 “An Act To Create Jobs and Improve Energy Efficiency through the Transformation of Maine's Housing Stock” and LD 955, “An Act To Transform the Maine Economy and Create Jobs”. Both bills will are sponsored by Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell.

Under LD 774, the State would issue $60 million revenue bonds over the coming two years for the construction of new affordable rental housing, renovation of existing housing units, the weatherization of existing rental properties and the replacement of pre-1976 mobile homes. Charlie Colgan of the Maine Cetner for Business and Economic Research conducted an economic impact study that concludes LD 774 will create and save 5,800 jobs in Maine and provide Maine people with $343 million in increased wages in each of the next two years. During that time period, this bill will generate $600 million in new construction activity in the state of Maine.

LD 955 seeks to lease portions of the State's highways and rights-of-way, including Interstate 95 and the Maine Turnpike, for the transmission of energy, including electricity, natural gas or other fossil fuels. The revenue generated from the leasing of the state’s transportation corridors would be used to:

  • Set up an interest free revolving loan fund for weatherization;
  • Finance alternative energy research and development programs;
  • Invest in economic development programs;
  • Create a virtual medical school;
  • Expand the state’s capacity to produce food;
  • Improve mass transportation and other transportation infrastructure, and;
  • Develop a privately funded east wet highway.

“Both pieces of legislation fit perfectly with the three themes of this legislature; create jobs now, make Maine’s energy future more sustainable and make investments that will continue to pay off down the road,” said President Mitchell.

The public hearing will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 1:00 PM in Room 211 of the Cross Office Building in Augusta.