Though the Legislature is still wrestling with Governor LePage about the fate of much of this session’s proposed legislation (including the 19 bills LePage attempted to pocket veto this week), the fate of Efficiency Maine funding is secure.
In late June, both chambers unanimously overturned the Governor’s rejection of a bill that corrects a one-word clerical error potentially worth nearly $38 million for an energy-efficiency program. Despite overwhelming public support, the bill had been caught up in a power struggle that threatened to dramatically slash Efficiency Maine funding.
“Maine is lucky to have Efficiency Maine,” said Richard Burbank, president of Evergreen Home Performance. “It’s a professional, independent organization that puts the concerns of Maine’s energy consumers first, and it works well with the private sector that serves those consumers. It’s a relief to all of us that Efficiency Maine will be able to continue its work with full funding.”
