Environment advocates are watching about 140 bills out of 1500 being proposed this session, ones dealing with everything from microplastics to alewives. But one of the bigger discussions, they say, will be over renewable power.
"Maine really needs to do more on solar energy." says Pete Didisheim Advocacy Director for Natural Resources Council of Maine.
If he had to pick a single issue to push this session, solar power might be it, says Didisheim. "Maine is lagging behind every other New England state in its solar power development. This is an area where there's job creation potential and there's energy security."
Four bills aimed at improving Maine's ability to reap solar power are being proposed this session- two from Republicans and two from Democrats.
Other major environment bills to be taken up this session include those that crack down on foam and plastic packaging; microplastic beads, such as those found in many exfoliant beauty products; support for weatherization programs; and further review the state's contentious mineral mining rules.
