AUGUSTA — A bill setting ambitious goals for reducing the use of fossil fuels in Maine has won the support of a legislative committee.
The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted Monday in favor of legislation to extend an existing requirement, which reduces the use of liquid fossil fuels for heating by 30 percent by 2030. The bill would extend that to oil use in all sectors of the economy.
The bill, which has bipartisan sponsorship, also adds a long-term goal to reduce Maine’s overall oil use by 50 percent by 2050.
Environmental advocates are applauding the committee’s action.
Environment Maine Director Emily Figdor says Maine is dangerously addicted to oil, and that has major impacts on the environment, economy and national security.
The bill now goes to the House and Senate.
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