Testimony at the Maine Legislature
by Sue Jones, NRCM energy project director
Thank you for the opportunity to present comments in favor of LD 1591 on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (Council). I am Sue Jones and I live in Freeport. The Council is a public interest, nonprofit organization that seeks to protect and conserve Maine’s environment for now and future generations. As part of the Council’s work, we advocate for clean air and energy measures, including those that reduce air and global warming pollution.
Adoption of LD 1591 would establish standards, including energy and indoor air quality standards, which comprise the Maine Model Building Energy Code applicable to construction in Maine.
We support LD 1591 with the following amendments:
1. Amend the rule to include an enforcement provision: In its current form, LD 1591 is silent on enforcement. As a model rule, the State should offer one or more enforcement options for towns to consider. Without any enforcement procedures, there is no way to be ensured that the rules will have any effect. As an alternative to amending the rule, please consider directing the PUC to recommend an enforcement model for legislative review next session.
2. Request the PUC to produce educational and outreach support to municipalities, builders, contractors and other interested parties about these standards.
With these proposed changes, the Council urges you to pass LD 1591.
Thank you.
