Jackson introduces bond package to support biomass energy

AUGUSTA — Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, introduced a bipartisan bond package to stabilize the biomass energy industry and harness its economic potential in Northern Maine. The bond package would provide low-interest loans to biomass facilities for capital investment and related thermal energy projects.

“I believe we have a great opportunity before us to create new markets and to create our own plan for the use of homegrown Maine energy – biomass energy,” said Sen. Jackson, the Senate Democratic Leader. “Our state is very fortunate to have one of the greatest renewable resources in our vast forests. By capitalizing on biomass energy, we have the ability to be a world leader in this industry. The potential to develop new markets, innovate the industry, grow the economy, and generate new jobs is too great to pass up.”

In Maine, there are six stand-along biomass power facilities, primarily located in Aroostook County. Together, these businesses spend $115 million annually, supporting 148 jobs directly and supporting an estimated 900 jobs indirectly.

This legislation directly responds to recommendations made by the Legislature’s Commission to Study the Economic, Environmental and Energy Benefits of the Maine Biomass Industry in December 2016. The commission outlined the need to for further support of research and development projects to strengthen the biomass industry in rural Maine, and move existing projects in this phase to the marketplace.

This bond package faces further action in the Appropriations and Financial Affair Committee and votes in the House and Senate.

###