Maine Senate gives initial approval to Sen. Lawrence bill to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a bill to advance Maine’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases sponsored by Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, received initial approval from the Maine Senate. LD 837, as amended, “An Act to Require Positions Taken by the Public Advocate to Be Consistent with the Cost-effective Implementation of the State’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Obligations,” passed the Maine Senate by a vote of 18-15 of members present. 

“As Maine continues to transition to a clean-energy economy in an effort to preserve our natural resources and reduce carbon emissions, we must ensure our state policies are in accordance with state law,” 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. LD 837 aims to support both efforts; reducing costs and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for Maine people.”

This bill would require 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.

“This bill is an important opportunity to ensure that the Public Advocate considers greenhouse gas emissions reduction in its work and engages actively in the conversations about how we best meet our state climate goals, while ensuring reliable and affordable power for Maine people,” said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) in testimony to the committee. 

LD 837 faces further votes in the Senate and House before heading to the Governor’s desk for a signature.