Resolve, To Expand Access to Renewable Energy Programs

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency are significant priorities of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and

Whereas,  significant funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will be disbursed to the Public Utilities Commission in the immediate future for energy initiatives, including renewable energy programs; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Renewable energy outreach programs. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, in cooperation with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, shall conduct a 2-year outreach and education program to provide information to residents statewide regarding renewable energy technology and systems for residential use and the renewable energy programs and incentives available through federal, state and local agencies. The program must include at least one informational presentation in each of the 16 counties of the State; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reports. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, in cooperation with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, shall prepare and submit an interim report and a final report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities and energy matters regarding the outreach and education program required by section 1. The interim report must address the status and progress of the program and must be submitted no later than April 1, 2010. The final report on the program and results achieved must be submitted no later than December 31, 2011; and be it further

Sec. 3. Rules. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission may adopt rules as necessary to implement this resolve. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.