Sec. 1. 38 MRSA c. 3-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 3-A

CLIMATE CHANGE

§574.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Greenhouse gas.__"Greenhouse gas" means any chemical or physical substance that is emitted into the air and that the department determines by rule may reasonably be anticipated to cause or contribute to global warming.__"Greenhouse gas" includes, but is not limited to, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.

2.__Source.__"Source" means any building, structure, facility, installation or other thing that emits or may emit a greenhouse gas.

§575.__New sources of greenhouse gas

A developer of any major development project that requires a permit from the department and that produces a new source of greenhouse gas shall submit a report identifying the source to the department.__The department, by rule, shall identify the types of development projects that require a report pursuant to this section.

§576.__Lead-by-example initiative

The department shall establish a lead-by-example initiative under which the department shall:

1.__Greenhouse gas emissions inventory.__Create an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions associated with state-owned facilities and state-funded programs and create a plan for reducing those emissions to below 1990 levels by 2010; and

2.__Carbon emission reduction.__By 2006, enter into carbon emission reduction agreements with at least 50 nonprofit organizations and businesses.

§577.__Long-term climate action plan