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LD 837

An Act To Require The Office Of The Public Advocate To Implement The State'S Climate Action Plan

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Valli Geiger and 4 co-sponsors

OPA must align its positions in energy/utility proceedings with Maine's Climate Action Plan, ensuring cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions.

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#climateactionplan #powers #publicadvocate
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Bill Summary · LD 837

LD 837 — Summary

Title: An Act To Require The Office Of The Public Advocate To Implement The State's Climate Action Plan
Bill Number: LD 837
Introduced: March 4, 2025
Status: Became law without the Governor’s signature (May 27, 2025)
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology

Purpose

The bill directs the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) to align its positions and advocacy with Maine’s climate objectives. In its final, engrossed form, the measure requires that positions taken by the Public Advocate be consistent with the cost‑effective implementation of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions obligations (i.e., the State’s Climate Action Plan).

Key provisions

  • Requires the Office of the Public Advocate to adopt and take positions that are consistent with the cost‑effective implementation of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction obligations (the State’s Climate Action Plan).
  • Applies to the OPA’s participation in regulatory, administrative and related proceedings where the OPA represents consumer interests on energy/utility matters. (Bill title and enacted language center OPA duties; the text as engrossed emphasizes consistency with cost‑effective implementation of greenhouse gas reduction obligations.)
  • Committee Amendment: Committee Amendment “A” (S‑29) was adopted during legislative consideration and incorporated into the engrossed bill.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Office of the Public Advocate — its statutory duties and positions in utility and energy proceedings.
  • Secondary: Regulated utilities, utility customers/ratepayers, stakeholders in energy and climate regulatory proceedings, and state agencies involved in climate and energy policy, to the extent OPA advocacy in proceedings is adjusted.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (approved 04/02/25 and 04/30/25) estimate a minor cost increase to Other Special Revenue Funds for the OPA.
  • Any additional costs “are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.”

Legislative history & timeline

  • Referred to Energy, Utilities and Technology (Mar 4, 2025).
  • Work session and divided report; Committee Amendment A (S‑29) adopted (Apr 29–30, 2025).
  • Passed the House (Apr 30, 2025) — Roll Call No. 104: Yeas 74, Nays 67.
  • Passed the Senate (May 14, 2025) — Roll Call No. 169: Yeas 20, Nays 14.
  • Became law without the Governor’s signature on May 27, 2025.

Notes on implementation

  • The statute changes how OPA frames its positions in proceedings, emphasizing alignment with the State’s greenhouse gas reduction goals where cost‑effective implementation is at issue.
  • The bill does not appropriate new funds and is expected to have minimal budgetary impact according to the fiscal notes.

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

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