Governor's Bill Aimed At Growing Maine Manufacturing Jobs

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's Republican governor is behind a bill to promote forest products and wood manufacturing jobs through incentives.
 
Democratic Sen. James Dill is sponsoring Gov. Paul LePage's bill, which is set for a Monday hearing.
 
An energy project such as biomass energy from manufacturing residue that provides three jobs per installed megawatt capacity could be eligible for a long-term energy contract or renewable energy credits.
 
LePage has railed against long-term contracts for solar power and claims they end up raising long-term costs for consumers.
 
Under LePage's bill, the cost of long-term contracts for manufacturing jobs couldn't exceed the project's cost plus a reasonable rate of return on investment. The bill also says the average price per kilowatt-hour would have to be in the best interest of ratepayers considering market conditions.