– LD1411 An Act to Require the Adoption of Sector-specific Greenhouse Gas Emissions Limits
An Act to Require the Adoption of Sector-specific Greenhouse Gas Emissions Limits
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §576-A, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2019, c. 476, §7, is amended by amending the 2nd blocked paragraph to read:
The Department of Transportation, after consultation with the department, may shall adopt rules as necessary to ensure compliance with the levels established by subsections 1 to 3.
Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §576-A, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
- 5. Sector-specific greenhouse gas emissions limits. The department shall adopt sector-specific biennial limits on greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources in the commercial sector, industrial sector, residential sector and transportation sector and for electricity and combined heat and power plants whose primary business is to sell electricity or electricity and heat to the public. The department may adopt sector-specific greenhouse gas emissions limits for any other sector or source the department designates. These limits must collectively ensure compliance with the annual greenhouse gas emissions levels established by subsections 1 to 3. The department shall calculate and impose biennial limits under this paragraph for a period of 10 years.
By December 31, 2025 and every 4 years thereafter, the department shall adjust the sector-specific greenhouse gas emissions limits as necessary taking into consideration updated greenhouse gas emissions data and reflecting the policies contained in the most recent updated climate action plan under section 577. The adjusted greenhouse gas emissions limits must be imposed for a period of 10 years.
Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules setting sector-specific biennial limits on greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources in the commercial sector, industrial sector, residential sector and transportation sector and for electricity and combined heat and power plants whose primary business is to sell electricity or electricity and heat to the public. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules as necessary to ensure compliance with the State’s greenhouse gas emissions levels.