AUGUSTA - Rep. Jim Boyle, D-Gorham, introduced legislation Thursday that, with an amendment, would require developers to establish a plan for responsibly decommissioning energy storage facilities after they have reached the end of their useful life.
LD 496 is modeled after a bill that was passed in the 130th Legislature, LD 802, which established a requirement that all solar project permits include a decommissioning plan. The resulting law directed the Department of Environmental Protection to require developers to have a plan for removing project infrastructure from the site and restoring the land, and to demonstrate financial capacity to deliver on that plan. LD 496 would establish a similar framework for energy storage facilities.
"Protecting our environment and natural resources is fundamental to our identity as Mainers," said Boyle. "Our economy, our health, our happiness and our future depend on it. That's why, as we continue to lead on renewable energy generation, we need to be thoughtful about the entire lifecycle of these technologies, so that we can continue to responsibly steward this land for generations to come."
In recent years, Maine has seen a boom in renewable energy projects. Renewable energy generation often results in periods of high production, not always corresponding with demand levels. Energy storage facilities allow excess energy to be stored until such time that it can be used, minimizing waste, optimizing in-state energy generation and stabilizing rates.
Over the past several years, Maine has taken steps to build out the state's energy storage capacity. Last session, the Legislature passed a law to incentivize energy storage companies to do business in Maine by creating an exemption from sales and use tax for energy storage systems and making qualified energy storage systems eligible for the business equipment tax exemption.
The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Boyle is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents House District 109, which includes part of Gorham. He serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Boyle], 305-965-2744