GOVERNOR VETOES MEASURE AIMED AT SAVING ENERGY COSTS

AUGUSTA—Governor LePage vetoed a bill that if enacted would have improved energy efficiency standards in public buildings and created jobs in the process. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Phil Bartlett, passed in both bodies of the legislature during the first regular session.

“It is disappointing that the Governor is shutting the door on options that would have saved tax payer money,” said Sen. Bartlett of Gorham. “This proposal was seen as a way to encourage efficiency, reign in energy costs and be prudent with tax dollars.”

LD 1264, “An Act to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings and Create Jobs” appeared before the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee last spring where they voted in full support of the bill.

“Energy costs is one of the most pressing issues,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Senator Justin Alfond of Portland, “For the Governor to veto a bill that would save energy dollars is a short-sighted decision.”

In the last year, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce released its Making Maine Work survey where energy costs ranked second to health care as a top cost driver.