Senator Susan Collins Says Energy Bill is Imperfect, But Contains Some Provisions Important to Maine, the Environment

Press Release

SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS SAYS ENERGY BILL IS IMPERFECT, BUT CONTAINS SOME PROVISIONS IMPORTANT TO MAINE, THE ENVIRONMENT

U.S. Senator Collins today voted in support of the energy bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 74 to 26. Senator Collins said that the bill is not perfect and that she is disappointed that it does not include the provisions that she supported to decrease America's dependence on foreign oil, and to require that more electricity generation come from renewable energy sources.

"This energy bill is imperfect, but it takes important steps forward in addressing some of this nation's outstanding energy problems. It will strengthen electric reliability, further develop our renewable energy resources, and improve energy efficiency," said Senator Collins. "I consider this legislation a first step and will continue to work to address outstanding issues."

Additionally, excluded from the energy bill was a provision, which Senator Collins strongly opposes, that would grant liability waivers for the manufacturers of the toxic pollutant "MTBE" used as a fuel additive. Senator Collins was successful in her efforts last year to block a previous version of the energy bill, which included the liability waiver. "I am pleased that this legislation does not include a very harmful liability waiver for the manufacturers of MTBE. This chemical has polluted drinking water supplies in Maine and many other states. I saw no justification for allowing the MTBE manufacturers to be let off the hook for cleaning up this chemical," explained Senator Collins.

"I am particularly pleased that the energy bill provides nearly $3 billion for wind, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. This credit could help Mars Hill, a major wind energy development project move forward in Aroostook County. It will also help Maine's forest products industry by providing an important revenue stream for waste forest products," added Senator Collins. "Developing Maine's wind and biomass resources creates jobs in rural areas, provides additional revenue to farmers and struggling industries, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps diversify our energy supply."

Senator Collins is also pleased by the provisions in the bill to spur greater energy efficiency by the creation of tax credits for individuals who purchase hybrid vehicles, utilize solar water heaters, and purchase energy-efficient appliances.

The Senator further supported provisions in the bill to improve electric reliability by creating new standards for the national electric transmission grid. And it provides for improved market transparency, a prohibition of market manipulation, and new consumer protections for utility customers. Senator Collins expressed disappointment that the final version of the bill did not include a provision that she and Senator Bingaman (D-NM) authored that would require that 10 percent of all our electricity come from renewable energy sources by the year 2020. She also believes that the bill could have done more to help the U.S. reduce its dependency on foreign sources for oil.

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