Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes rules regarding procurement of energy from offshore wind resources.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Maine Offshore Wind Renewable Energy and Economic Development Program within the Public Utilities Commission to further the development and use of offshore wind energy resources in the Gulf of Maine (Sec. 12).

• Specifies that the aforementioned program shall be directed to do the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 12):

• Encourage the development of extraterritorial wind projects in the Gult of Maiene that are responsibly sited and advance the renewable energy and climate policies and economic development goals of the state;

• Establish standards for local hiring, workforce development, and safety and promote diversity, equity and inclusion;

• Monitor impacts of offshore win power projects on the marine environment; and

• Develop the transmission of infrastructure necessary for the state to expeditiously meet its renewable energy and climate goals using offshore wind power projects located in the Gulf of Maine.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passages and approval by the governor (Sec. 12).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes rules regarding procurement of energy from offshore wind resources.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Maine Offshore Wind Renewable Energy and Economic Development Program within the Public Utilities Commission to further the development and use of offshore wind energy resources in the Gulf of Maine (Sec. 12).

• Specifies that the aforementioned program shall be directed to do the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 12):

• Encourage the development of extraterritorial wind projects in the Gult of Maiene that are responsibly sited and advance the renewable energy and climate policies and economic development goals of the state;

• Establish standards for local hiring, workforce development, and safety and promote diversity, equity and inclusion;

• Monitor impacts of offshore win power projects on the marine environment; and

• Develop the transmission of infrastructure necessary for the state to expeditiously meet its renewable energy and climate goals using offshore wind power projects located in the Gulf of Maine.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passages and approval by the governor (Sec. 12).

Full Bill Text