AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1485, An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future. The emergency measure sets aggressive goals to end Maine’s dangerous dependency on foreign fuels.

“Maine is a leader in addressing clean, renewable energy and pursuing green jobs,” said Governor Baldacci. “This law is a significant and bold next step. It sets the course for ambitious and achievable measures to reduce the stranglehold of fossil fuels on our pocketbooks and environment.”

The Governor has pursued growth of renewable energy, recognizing the great potential for energy self-sufficiency and lower energy prices for Maine people and businesses.

The law establishes the Efficiency Maine Trust and Board, bringing together under one roof Maine’s energy rebate, efficiency and conservation programs. The Board will design, coordinate and integrate energy efficiency, weatherization and alternative energy programs in the State for all energy consumers in Maine. Individuals, families and businesses will have a one-stop shop that they can go to for help with all of their energy efficiency needs.

In addition, the law sets goals to:

o Weatherize all residences and 50 percent of businesses by 2030;

o Reduce peak electric energy consumption by 100 Megawatts by 2020;

o Reduce the State’s consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030;

o Build private sector jobs in clean energy businesses, providing a much needed boost to our economy and putting our people to work in good jobs;

o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of our environment and the health of our people; and

o Achieve significant reductions in electricity and natural gas by 2020.

A fund is also established to build and rehabilitate affordable housing, making them more energy efficient, affordable and available.

The law also sets up a reasonable process for managing opportunities to take advantage of Maine’s location to develop new renewable energy resources.

“With this law, Maine will send fewer energy dollars out of the State; we’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and we’ll create thousands of jobs for Maine workers,” said Governor Baldacci.

The law is a compilation of provisions introduced in separate legislation by the Governor (and sponsored by Representative John Martin), Senate President Libby Mitchell, House Speaker Hannah Pingree, and House Majority Whip Seth Berry. The Governor also noted in the signing ceremony the significant contributions of the Chairs and Leads of the Special Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future and the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy.