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LD 1868

An Act To Advance A Clean Energy Economy By Updating Renewable And Clean Resource Procurement Laws

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Lawrence

Modernizes Maine's renewable and clean energy procurement to accelerate projects and advance the state's climate goals.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 1868

Summary — LD 1868

An Act To Advance A Clean Energy Economy By Updating Renewable And Clean Resource Procurement Laws

Purpose / Intent

LD 1868 updates Maine’s laws governing procurement of renewable and other clean energy resources with the stated goal of advancing a clean energy economy. The bill is intended to modernize how the State and regulated utilities acquire renewable and clean resources, promote development of clean energy projects, and align procurement practices with state energy and climate objectives.

Key provisions (high-level)

The legislative record provided does not include the full statutory text. The bill was passed as amended by Committee Amendment “A” (S‑356). Based on the bill title and legislative actions, the principal types of changes likely included:
- Revisions to procurement rules or procedures for renewable and clean resources (e.g., contracting, competitive solicitations, or procurement authority for utilities and the State).
- Updates to definitions or eligibility criteria for “renewable” and “clean” resources to reflect newer technologies or greenhouse gas accounting.
- Adjustments to planning or reporting requirements for state agencies and utilities related to resource procurement.
- Possible changes to timelines, goals, or priorities that govern state-supported clean energy procurement.

For exact statutory changes, consult the engrossed bill text (LD 1868, as amended by S‑356).

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes dated 05/30/2025 and 06/16/2025: the bill produces a minor cost increase to the General Fund and to Other Special Revenue Funds.
  • Any additional costs to impacted agencies are anticipated to be minor and absorbable within existing budgeted resources.

Who is affected

  • State agencies responsible for energy planning and procurement.
  • Regulated utilities and entities that participate in state-directed solicitations or procurement programs.
  • Renewable and clean energy developers and project financiers (through procurement rules and eligibility).
  • Potentially ratepayers or program beneficiaries, depending on how procurement costs or project benefits are allocated (not specified in the available documents).

Legislative history & timeline

  • Introduced: May 1, 2025; referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology.
  • Committee activity: Work sessions and a divided report; Committee Amendment “A” (S‑356) was adopted.
  • Floor action: Passed to be enacted by the Legislature (House roll call 06/16/2025: Yeas 77 — Nays 68; subsequent Senate actions with recorded roll calls on 06/13–06/17/2025).
  • Governor: Signed into law June 20, 2025.

Notes / Next steps

  • This summary is based on bill metadata, fiscal notes, and legislative actions. To determine precise legal changes, implementation requirements, and exact impacts, review the engrossed and enrolled bill text (LD 1868, as amended by S‑356) and any implementing guidance or rulemaking issued by state agencies after enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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