LD 891, An Act to Reduce Maine's Dependency on Fossil Fuels and Enhance Energy-Efficient Development

by Sen. Seth Goodall

January 20, 2010

Topics: Legislation

Proposes to add a greenhouse-gas emission standard to development law.

Building new infrastructure that isn’t energy efficient puts Maine at risk for locking our budgets into a future of skyrocketing energy costs and more pollution for decades to come. Too many new developments in the private sector are not taking advantage of energy efficient and renewable technologies because: 1) developers who do not own or operate buildings are focused on construction costs, not the long-term operating costs for the building occupants and 2) many landlords do not pay utility bills – the tenants do. This creates a disincentive for landlords to build highly efficient buildings. The Legislature needs to take action to ensure that Maine move forward on a path to energy efficiency and smart development, helping us achieve our existing goals of reducing carbon dioxide pollution.

During the session, LD 891 was significantly weakened from its initial proposal.  It directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify and recommend practices in the operation and design of development that will minimize climate change pollution and maximize energy efficiency. 

Status: Passed as amended.