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Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§92, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 657, §1, is repealed.
Sec. 2.  35-A MRSA §1702, sub-§§9 and 10  are enacted to read:
 
9.  Other advocacy forums.     The Public Advocate, consistent with the priorities established in section 1702-A and the requirements of this chapter, may represent and promote the interests of the using and consuming public:
 
A.  In appropriate proceedings of the Legislature; and
 
B.  In regional or national forums, including but not limited to any proceeding of an independent system operator or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
 
10.  Independent representation of the interests of the using and consuming public.     The Public Advocate, when taking a position on any matter in any proceeding or forum pursuant to the Public Advocate's authority under this chapter, shall exercise independent judgment to ensure the position:
 
A.  Is consistent with the priorities established in section 1702-A and the requirements of this chapter; and
 
B.  Promotes stabilization and lowering of prices paid by those members of the using and consuming public whose interests the Public Advocate is representing.
Sec. 3. 35-A MRSA §1712, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 657, §2, is repealed.
 
SUMMARY
This amendment replaces the bill, which was a concept draft. It:
1. Authorizes the Public Advocate to represent and promote the interests of the using and consuming public in appropriate proceedings of the Legislature and in regional or national forums, including but not limited to any proceeding of an independent system operator or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
2. Requires the Public Advocate, when taking a position on any matter in any proceeding or forum, to exercise independent judgment to ensure the position is consistent with the requirements of the law governing the Public Advocate and promotes stabilization and lowering of prices paid by those members of the using and consuming public whose interests the Public Advocate is representing; and
3. Repeals the Railroad Crossing Information Council, on which the Public Advocate serves. The council serves as a repository of information concerning the establishment or maintenance of private railroad crossings and provides information and assistance to persons regarding private crossings of railroads.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)