June 18, 2025 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine House and Senate have passed a bill that aims to reduce the state’s reliance on expensive oil and gas by ensuring homes, businesses, and vehicles are powered with 100% clean, affordable electricity by 2040.
When signed into law by Governor Janet Mills, LD 1868 will expand Maine’s existing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 90% by 2040 and add in a new category of clean resources that can compete for the remaining 10% of the state’s energy supply. A recent study showed that achieving 100% clean energy could lower average household energy costs by about $1,300 per year.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine issued the following statement from Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro:
“With this step, Maine is saying we are not willing to accept the enormous burden that rising fossil fuel prices places on our working families. Accelerating our clean energy goals by a decade will deliver economic relief and good-paying jobs to more Mainers more quickly.
Extreme weather, flooding, and rising seas made worse by climate change are threatening livelihoods and harming our communities. As Mainers, we’re making clear that in the face of federal inaction we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work necessary to protect the places we love for future generations.”
Read more about the bill here: https://www.nrcm.org/news/bill-100-clean-energy-by-2040/
