Senate enacts Sen. Maxmin bill to help Maine schools go carbon neutral

AUGUSTA – On Monday, the Senate enacted a bill sponsored by Sen. Chloe Maxmin, D-Nobleboro, to help Maine schools achieve carbon neutrality. LD 815, “An Act To Support School Decarbonization,” received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Senate.

“Our schools want to make the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources and practices, but this change can be costly and confusing,” said Sen. Maxmin. “Different schools and communities across our state will face unique challenges in this transition. Giving them adequate support that doesn’t put undue pressure on taxpayers will be critical as we strive to meet our renewable energy goals.”

LD 815 replaces the school energy savings program currently administered by the Efficiency Maine Trust with a school decarbonization program. Efficiency Maine will provide technical and financial support to help kindergarten through grade 12 schools, including charter and private schools, become carbon neutral. The bill is designed to support school districts across Maine in the transition to clean energy sources without putting the financial burden on school districts and property tax payers.

LD 815 now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.