Sen. Lawrence bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions becomes law

AUGUSTA — On May 27, 2025, a bill sponsored by Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, to advance Maine’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases, became law without the Governor’s signature.

LD 837 requires the Public Advocate, when taking a position on any matter in any proceeding or forum pursuant to the Public Advocate’s authority, to exercise independent judgment to ensure that the Public Advocate’s position is consistent with the cost-effective implementation for ratepayers of greenhouse gas emissions reductions obligations.

“Maine is a national leader in the clean-energy transition, be it solar and wind energy or our record-breaking heat pump implementation,” said Sen. Lawrence. “As the Public Advocate continues her work in the best interest of Maine ratepayers, it’s critical we’re also advancing our state energy policies to build a cleaner Maine for future generations to thrive and prosper.”

“Securing a homegrown supply of renewable energy and switching to efficient electric technologies in the transportation and heating sectors is the key to both overcoming our

dependence on fossil fuels and providing a pathway to affordable, reliable energy for the state of Maine,” said Rebecca Schultz, Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, in written supporting testimony to the committee.

LD 837 will take effect after 90 days upon adjournment of the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature.