AUGUSTA
— With gasoline prices hovering near $3 per gallon and energy a
front-burner issue in Washington, a bill to encourage conservation and
renewable energy is awaiting funding in the Maine Legislature. Gov.
John Baldacci's energy policy bill has won final House and Senate
approval. It awaited a decision by the Appropriations Committee on
whether to provide $20,000 in funding.
"My
fingers are crossed," said Beth Nagusky, Baldacci's director of energy
independence and security, as the bill calling for biofuel tax cuts and
more emphasis on conservation awaited funding.
"I
hope that, given the high gas prices and bipartisan support in Maine
and nationally to transform to alternative fuels, this will be seen as
a high priority," Nagusky said.
Overshadowed
in recent weeks by other high-profile issues in the State House, the
bill takes on new significance as Mainers see gas prices climbing.
In
Washington, Congress is working on legislation to roll back billions of
dollars in tax breaks for major oil companies and create rebates in
fuel costs for taxpayers.
Baldacci's
bill seeks a one-year reduction in Maine's sales and use tax on
biofuels such as ethanol and other fuels derived from living and
renewable sources. It gives a higher priority to conservation and
energy efficiency when the Public Utilities Commission requests bids
from companies to supply power for the standard offer for electricity
users.
When
the PUC seeks bids, Nagusky said, it could consider not only megawatts,
but also "negawatts," capacity that is made available through
conservation and improved efficiency.
The legislation also sets a goal of increasing by 10 percent the state's renewable power generation by 2017.
The bill would create a Maine Energy Council, which would study whether electricity industry restructuring is working.
Nagusky described Maine as a national leader in developing renewable energy resources.
