AUGUSTA - Two new laws sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, went into effect on Friday, Aug. 9. They include a measure to allow natural organic reduction, or body composting, as well as a measure to create a pilot program to develop clean hydrogen.
Natural organic reduction, also referred to as terramation, is the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. Doudera's law, LD 536, allows for natural organic reduction as a legal option for the disposal of human remains in Maine and establishes a natural organic reduction facility within the Department of Health and Human Services.
"Natural organic reduction can appeal to anyone with a desire for more environmentally sustainable funeral options for themselves or their family," said Doudera. "It's a safe and tested death care method that uses one-eighth of the energy of cremation and saves over a metric ton of carbon dioxide per person. Mainers around the state have asked for this end-of-life choice, and they should have the freedom to return to the earth in a way that resonates with their lives and values. This new law now provides them with the option to do so."
Additional legislation sponsored by Doudera that recently went into effect includes Public Utilities Commission (PUC), along with the Governor's Energy Office and the Department of Environmental Protection, to design and operate a pilot program to produce clean hydrogen. The PUC will issue a request for proposals by Dec. 31, 2025.
"Clean hydrogen has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to be an integral part of Maine's green energy revolution, combating the effects of climate change," said Doudera. "Investing in this fuel is not a replacement for other types of renewable energy such as solar and wind, but it can help our state meet our climate goals in sectors that are particularly hard to decarbonize, such as transportation and heavy industry."
Doudera is serving her third term in the Maine House and is a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee. She represents the towns of Camden and Rockport and is the Maine State Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. She also chairs the Legislature's Gun Safety Caucus.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Doudera], c. 305-965-2744