Resolve, To Ensure the Success of Regional Climate Change Efforts

Sec. 1. Office of Public Advocate study. Resolved: That the Office of the Public Advocate shall, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, other state agencies and interested members of the public, convene a study group to review the status of the regional greenhouse gas initiative authorized by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, section 579, referred to in this resolve as "the initiative"; to examine existing information and analyses regarding the impact of the initiative on electric rates for Maine electricity consumers; and to identify alternatives for reducing the cost of implementation of the initiative for Maine electricity consumers. The Public Advocate shall ensure that the study group meets sufficiently often to achieve these purposes. The Public Advocate shall, based on the work of the study group, prepare a report on identified impacts of the initiative on electricity costs and alternatives to reduce these costs and may include in the report proposed legislation designed to reduce identified costs and to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative. The report may include information provided to the Public Advocate from other sources regarding the effect of the initiative on Maine electricity consumers or the Maine economy. The report, including any proposed legislation, must be submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy by January 1, 2008. The committee may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature relating to the subject matter of this resolve.