Dion bill to ensure parity among large natural gas consumers now law

Legislation from Sen. Mark Dion, D-Portland, to open participation in the natural gas conservation fund to large-scale agricultural businesses was signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage on April 4.

The natural gas conservation fund receives its funding through fees assessed on consumers of natural gas. Large-volume manufacturers are assessed only on the first 1,000,000 centum cubic feet of natural gas used each year. Under LD 822, “An Act To Ensure Fairness among Large Consumers of Natural Gas,” large-volume agricultural businesses will be assessed in the same manner.

“This new law brings parity between our large manufacturing and agricultural consumers of natural gas,” said Sen. Dion. “Whether it is paper or tomatoes being produced, large consumers of natural gas should be treated the same.”

Non-emergency laws, of which this is one, passed in the regular legislative session this year will be effective law 90 days after the Maine Legislature adjourns sine die. Statutory adjournment is April 18, though the session may be extended several days beyond that date.