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Bill orders state study of expanded hydro and geothermal options, GEO to lead study work
Summary
LD 300 directs a state study on opportunities to expand or restore hydroelectric capacity and to evaluate geothermal potential, including district heating. The PUC, GEO and DEP were discussed as possible leads; the committee approved an amended bill to direct GEO to convene stakeholders and report back.
Representative Matthew McIntyre sponsored LD 300, a resolve directing studies of (1) opportunities to expand, upgrade or restore hydroelectric capacity in Maine and (2) the geographic, technical and economic potential for geothermal electricity and district heating systems. The bill seeks to identify locations, technologies, and barriers (including permitting and environmental considerations) and to report findings to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
McIntyre said the intent is pragmatic: many technologies and resource uses evolve quickly and past studies (GEO published a 2015 hydropower study) warrant a fresh evaluation that includes advances in turbine design, pumped storage potential and geothermal opportunities. The Governor’s Energy Office recommended the state lead the geothermal study and suggested the scope should focus on statewide opportunity analysis rather than site‑level engineering; GEO also advised the committee municipal utilities and DEP be involved.
Committee discussion led the sponsor to accept GEO’s drafting edits: the final amendment asks GEO to convene the PUC, DEP and Maine Emergency Management Agency, to evaluate geographic, technical and economic potential (and to assess barriers) and to explicitly include geothermal space‑heating/district systems as well as electricity generation. The committee voted to report Ought to Pass as Amended; the transcript records the committee adopting the amended language and voting in favor (10 yes votes recorded in the work session tally).
Ending: The committee approved referral of LD 300 as amended and asked GEO and other agencies to coordinate and deliver a report timed to allow legislative consideration in a later session.
