§3302. Purpose

The Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the State to reduce the State's dependence upon fossil fuels for its energy needs. It is necessary to diversify energy producing systems and energy sources to ensure an adequate and reliable supply of energy for Maine citizens. The Legislature further finds that the development of small energy production facilities using renewable resources and cogeneration facilities will have a significant and beneficial effect upon this State. The Legislature further finds that the replacement of fossil fuels by municipal solid waste reduces dependence upon fossil fuels, diversifies energy sources, reduces municipal costs and reduces the negative environmental effects of solid waste disposal.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

The Legislature intends through this legislation to:   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

1.  Encourage development.  Encourage the development of energy producing systems using renewable resources, particularly abundant, indigenous, renewable resources or resources in close proximity to Maine;

[PL 2001, c. 76, §1 (AMD).]

2.  Promote existing use.  Promote the more efficient use of existing energy systems particularly, through the cogeneration of power; and

[PL 2001, c. 76, §1 (AMD).]

3.  Meet goals.  Require, whenever the interests of competition, consumers of electricity and economic development in this State are not adversely affected, that the commission ensure that the goals of this section will be met following the restructuring of the electric utility industry by:

A. Proposing market rules and transmission pricing policies and practices at the regional and federal levels that encourage the generation and sale of electricity from the State's renewable power producers and cogenerators;   [PL 2001, c. 76, §2 (NEW).]

B. Opposing market rules and proposed transmission pricing policies and practices that place the State's renewable power producers and cogenerators at a competitive disadvantage compared with nonrenewable power generators; and   [PL 2001, c. 76, §2 (NEW).]

C. Implementing the State's electric industry restructuring laws and other provisions of this Title in a manner that promotes generation of electricity from the State's indigenous renewable resources and cogeneration.   [PL 2001, c. 76, §2 (NEW).]

[PL 2001, c. 76, §2 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 76, §§1,2 (AMD).