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LD 1242

An Act To Incentivize The Construction Of Solar Carport Canopies And Solar Chargers At Highway Picnic Areas

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Ankeles and 8 co-sponsors

The bill would create a $50,000-per-year Highway Fund allocation to hire a consultant to install and operate solar-powered EV charging stations at highway picnic areas.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 1242

Summary of LD 1242 (An Act To Incentivize The Construction Of Solar Carport Canopies And Solar Chargers At Highway Picnic Areas)

Overview

LD 1242 is an act proposed in the 132nd Maine Legislature to incentivize the construction of solar carport canopies and solar-powered charging stations at highway picnic areas. The bill proposed ongoing funding from the Highway Fund to support the installation and operation of solar-powered EV charging infrastructure at picnic areas. The bill was introduced on March 25, 2025 and ultimately placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on May 14, 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • Create incentives for the development of solar carport canopies and solar charging facilities at highway picnic areas.
  • Support the deployment and use of solar-powered EV charging stations as part of Maine’s broader energy and transportation objectives.

Key provisions (as reflected in fiscal notes)

  • Fiscal impact and mechanism:
    • Ongoing appropriation from the Highway Fund of $50,000 per year.
    • Beginning in FY 2025-26, the Department of Transportation would use these funds to hire a consultant to install and operate solar-powered EV charging stations at picnic areas.
    • The fiscal notes project the net cost (from the Highway Fund) of $50,000 per year through FY 2028-29, with equivalent appropriations each year.
  • Implementation level:
    • The bill envisions a consultative, potentially public-private or contractor-based approach to installing and operating the charging stations at designated picnic areas along highways.

Fiscal impact (as reported in the fiscal notes)

  • Primary funding source: Highway Fund.
  • Amounts:
    • $50,000 per year for FY 2025-26 through FY 2028-29.
  • Administrative action:
    • The Department of Transportation would hire a consultant to install and operate the solar charging stations.
  • Notes:
    • The notes labeled the net cost as a constant $50,000 annually, reflecting ongoing allocations for the program.

Affected parties and scope

  • State government: Department of Transportation (lead agency for implementation).
  • Public: highway motorists and visitors who use picnic areas and may access solar-powered EV charging stations.
  • Energy/transport policy: aligns with goals to expand solar energy use and EV charging infrastructure in Maine.

Legislative history and status

  • Committee: Transportation
  • Process:
    • Referred to Transportation on 2025-03-25.
    • Work session held 2025-04-24; reported as ONTP/OTP-AM.
    • In May 2025, reports were considered; the Majority Ought Not to Pass report was accepted.
    • May 14, 2025: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD); effectively no further action.
  • Versions:
    • Two fiscal notes accompany the bill (April 24 and April 29, 2025), both projecting $50,000 annual cost and Highway Fund allocations.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill would establish a recurring, albeit modest, annual investment to pilot solar charging infrastructure at highway picnic areas, potentially increasing EV charging options and promoting solar energy use.
  • As currently positioned, the bill did not progress and is listed as "DEAD," meaning the provisions would not take effect without new legislative action.
  • Possible considerations for future attempts: clarifying program scope, integration with existing EV charging networks, procurement processes for consultants, affordability of charging, and long-term maintenance funding.

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

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