PUC Climate & Equity Impact Requirements

An Act To Require Consideration of Climate and Equity Impacts by the Public Utilities Commission (2021)

Sponsors: Victoria W. Doudera

LD 1682

Through LD 1682, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has been added to the statutory purposes of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), joining the current statutory mandates of ensuring safe and reasonable service and minimizing the cost of energy to consumers. This new mandate is critical to helping Maine reach its goals of reducing greenhouse gases 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The new law also requires the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) to develop methods of incorporating equity considerations in decision making at state agencies and to develop definitions for “environmental justice,” “environmental justice populations,” “frontline communities,” and other relevant terms. GOPIF will report back to the Energy, Utilities and Technology and the Environment and Natural Resources Committees by February 1, 2022 with recommendations for equity considerations and definitions. These requirements will help ensure that Maine tackles decarbonization and grid modernization equitably.