Several new laws in Maine take steps to achieve the state’s clean energy goals, including on that establishes a goal of 5 gigawatts (GW) of
energy generation from facilities located in coastal waters by 2030.
L.D.1810, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Governor’s
Ocean Energy Task Force, calls for a competitive contracting process for long-term development of one or more deepwater offshore wind energy pilot projects up to 25 megawatts (MW) or tidal demonstration projects up to 5 MW.
Other bills signed by Governor John Baldacci include: L.D.1786, An Act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development; L.D.1535, An Act to Create a Smart Grid Policy in the State; L.D.1717, An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses; and L.D.1504, An Act to Provide Predictable Benefits to Maine Communities That Host Wind Energy Developments.
In other Maine news, The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a settlement agreement filed earlier this month by Central Maine Power (CMP) related to its $1.4 billion electric transmission infrastructure enhancement.
The PUC says the settlement includes the build-out of much of CMP’s originally proposed, expanded high-voltage transmission line. Non-transmission alternatives such as demand response, energy efficiency and local generation are to be developed instead of transmission lines in the mid-coast region and the Portland area.
Oklahoma Bill Creates Renewable Energy Target
The Oklahoma House passed a bill that would create a renewable energy target for the state. The Oklahoma Energy Security Act (H.B.3028) does not create a mandate, but sets a target of 15% renewable power generation within the state by the year 2015.
The bill also calls for the state to work with the Corporation Commission and the Southwest Power Pool to develop plans to expand transmission capacity in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Energy Security Act now advances to the Senate for final consideration.
Wisconsin Creates Revolving Fund for Efficiency Upgrades
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle last week signed into law bill expanding to $100 million a revolving loan fund for manufacturers that want to make energy-efficiency improvements.
The state already has set up a $55 million revolving loan fund using money from the federal stimulus package. The loan program provides low-interest loans to factories that are either looking to improve their energy efficiency or transition to making energy efficiency or renewable energy products.
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