Energy

signed · Maine · House Apr 21, 2026

LD 1966: An Act To Improve Access To Community Solar Programs In The State

LD 1966 improves access to community solar programs for low- and moderate-income Maine residents by requiring utilities to clearly disclose costs and benefits of public policy charges (including solar programs) on customer bills. The bill mandates that utilities display a comprehensive description of all costs and benefits associated with community solar and other public policy programs, ensuring transparency for customers. It also requires utilities to provide consolidated billing for distributed generation resources using "net crediting" by June 2026, streamlining how solar credits are applied. These changes aim to make community solar participation more accessible and understandable for households that might otherwise face barriers due to unclear billing practices.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly expands access to community solar (renewable energy) for low-income residents through utility transparency requirements, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and consumer access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Maine · Senate Apr 16, 2026

LD 1870: An Act To Establish A Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program To Impose Penalties On Climate Polluters

LD 1870 establishes Maine's Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, targeting entities that operated fossil fuel businesses (like coal, oil, and gas extraction/processing) between 1995 and 2024. It requires these responsible parties to pay for climate adaptation projects - such as flood protections, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs addressing heat waves or wildfire smoke - through a "cost recovery demand" mechanism. Funds collected will finance public projects directly addressing climate impacts, including nature-based solutions like restored wetlands and energy-efficient building retrofits. The program applies to corporations, partnerships, and individuals involved in fossil fuel operations during the covered period, with entities in a "controlled group" treated as a single liable party. This creates a state-level mechanism to recover costs for climate-related damages historically linked to fossil fuel use.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTargets fossil fuel businesses (coal/oil/gas) with cost recovery demands to fund climate adaptation, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing climate goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates fossil fuel polluters to fund climate adaptation projects (flood protection, infrastructure, health programs) via cost recovery, directly strengthening environmental accountability and addressing climate impacts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Maine · Senate Apr 13, 2026

LD 2140: An Act To Reduce Household Energy Costs In Response To Federal Cuts

This bill creates a refundable state tax credit for Maine residents who make energy-efficient improvements to their permanent homes. The credit covers costs for home energy audits, exterior doors, windows, skylights, insulation, and air sealing materials, with specific dollar limits for each improvement type. The amount of the credit is reduced if a taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds based on their filing status. This legislation aims to help households offset energy expenses by incentivizing upgrades that improve home energy efficiency.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides refundable tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, offering tax relief to households and promoting fiscal responsibility through energy conservation incentives.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates refundable tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, directly supporting energy conservation and efficiency.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes energy efficiency through tax credits for home improvements, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

failed · Maine · House Jun 16, 2025

LD 515: An Act To Reverse Recent Changes Made To The Law Governing Net Energy Billing And Distributed Generation

This bill reverses recent changes to Maine's net energy billing and distributed generation laws. It restores provisions allowing residential and commercial solar customers to receive credits for excess energy sent to the grid ("net energy billing") and clarifies definitions for "distributed generation" (e.g., systems 1-2 MW) and "energy storage systems." The bill sets new state goals for energy storage capacity (300 MW by 2025, 400 MW by 2030) and modifies interconnection rules to prioritize solar and storage projects. It directly affects solar energy customers, utilities, and developers of small-scale renewable projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRestores net energy billing for solar customers, sets 300MW/400MW energy storage goals, and prioritizes distributed generation - directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and consumer incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

Track

signed · Maine · House Jun 15, 2025

LD 1258: An Act To Include Qualified Out-Of-State Electric Vehicle Providers And Clarify Provisions Regarding Electric Bicycles Under The Electric Vehicle Fund

LD 1258 expands Maine's Electric Vehicle Fund program to allow residents to purchase or lease electric vehicles from out-of-state authorized sellers (like dealerships or manufacturers) if they meet the same standards as in-state sellers. It also clarifies that electric bicycle incentives are limited to low- or moderate-income individuals or organizations serving them, requiring the bike to be their primary commuting vehicle. The bill maintains existing rules that vehicles must be battery electric or plug-in hybrids, registered in Maine, and purchased/leased from eligible sellers meeting program requirements. This change directly affects consumers seeking EVs or e-bikes and providers operating across state lines.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands EV fund access to out-of-state providers and clarifies low-income EV/bike incentives, directly advancing energy conservation through electric vehicle adoption.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Maine · House Jun 9, 2025

LD 186: An Act To Clarify The Public Utilities Commission'S Authority To Establish Time-Of-Use Pricing For Standard-Offer Service

LD 186 clarifies that Maine's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) can implement time-of-use pricing for standard-offer electricity service, which means electricity rates would vary based on when customers use power (e.g., lower rates overnight, higher rates during peak hours). This directly affects residential and small commercial electricity customers in Maine who receive standard-offer service. The bill amends state law to explicitly include time-of-use pricing as an option under the PUC's authority to incorporate cost-effective demand response and energy efficiency into standard-offer service. It does not create new pricing but clarifies existing regulatory authority for the PUC to use this mechanism.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables time-of-use pricing to manage demand, promoting energy efficiency by incentivizing off-peak usage and reducing grid strain during peak hours.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Maine · Senate May 27, 2025

LD 837: An Act To Require The Office Of The Public Advocate To Implement The State'S Climate Action Plan

This bill requires Maine's Office of the Public Advocate to implement the state's existing Climate Action Plan. It directly affects the Public Advocate's office by adding this responsibility to its duties under state law. The key provision amends statute 35-A MRSA §1702 to explicitly state that the Public Advocate must implement the Climate Action Plan. The bill does not create new climate policies but assigns implementation oversight to an existing state office. This is a procedural change directing the Public Advocate to carry out the state's current climate strategy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires implementation of Climate Action Plan, advancing renewable energy and emissions goals under Maine's energy policy framework.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates implementation of Maine's Climate Action Plan by Public Advocate, advancing existing environmental protections without weakening them.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

failed · Maine · Senate May 22, 2025

LD 1210: An Act To Regarding Renewable Electricity Generation By Hydropower Projects

LD 1210 requires Maine's Department of Environmental Protection to consider the state's renewable energy, decarbonization, and economic development goals when reviewing hydropower projects. The bill mandates that the department weigh the environmental and economic benefits of hydroelectric generation against potential impacts on wildlife habitat and aquatic life, allowing project approval or certification even if such impacts occur. This applies to both water quality certifications under federal law and project permits, with specific provisions for maintaining historic water levels at existing facilities. The law directly affects hydropower developers seeking permits and the department's approval process. It shifts the decision-making framework to prioritize state energy policy alongside environmental protections.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly requires DEP to prioritize renewable energy goals for hydropower projects, mandates weighing environmental/economic benefits, and allows project approval despite wildlife impacts, advancing renewable energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates DEP to prioritize renewable energy and decarbonization goals for hydropower projects, promoting clean energy development despite minor environmental impacts.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

Track

signed · Maine · Senate Apr 25, 2025

LD 585: An Act To Use Certain Regional Transmission Organization Payments For Beneficial Electrification To Reduce Electricity Rates

LD 585 amends Maine law to allow the use of certain payments from regional transmission organizations for both heat pumps and electric vehicles as part of energy efficiency programs. The bill removes a previous time limit (2019-2025) that restricted these funds to heat pumps only and requires that such payments support cost-effective measures that reliably reduce electricity rates over time. This change directly affects the Maine Energy Efficiency Board, which manages the Heating Fuels Efficiency and Weatherization Fund, and benefits residents and businesses by expanding eligibility for energy efficiency incentives. The bill updates existing language to ensure these funds promote broader "beneficial electrification" while maintaining the requirement to lower electricity costs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands RTO payments for heat pumps/EVs to reduce rates via electrification, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy