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House advances bill to update RGGI allowances, citing community funding and emissions goals
Summary
Lawmakers debated and advanced an update to Maine’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Supporters emphasized the program’s funding for efficiency programs; critics warned of potential impacts on affordability and reliability. The House sent the bill to the Senate for concurrence.
The Maine House on Feb. 3 advanced legislation to update allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the multistate cap‑and‑invest program designed to reduce power‑sector carbon emissions.
Representative Dunbar (Camden), speaking for the majority report, described RGGI as a regional cooperative that has delivered both environmental and economic benefits to Maine since the state joined. "Between 2009 and 2024, Maine received more than $246,000,000 in funding as a RGGI participant," Dunbar said, noting investments in low‑income weatherization and Efficiency Maine programs.
Opponents, including Representative Foster (Dexter), argued the policy has tradeoffs and raised concerns about energy affordability and system reliability during cold weather. Foster highlighted recent ISO New England generation mixes and said the state must weigh emissions goals against real‑world electricity needs.
Other members urged the House to preserve RGGI funding streams for efficiency programs, warning that walking away from the program would create a significant budget hole for weatherization and low‑income energy assistance.
After extended debate, the House passed the measure and ordered it sent for concurrence in the Senate. The House record shows procedural action to engross and send the bill for further Senate consideration.
