AUGUSTA, Maine - A Maine legislative committee has endorsed a bill to correct a clerical error that could result in a loss of $38 million for energy efficiency programs.
The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted 10-1 in favor of Assistant Democratic Leader Sara Gideon's bill on Tuesday. Two members were absent and can still submit their votes. The measure now heads to the full House, which is controlled by Democrats.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage opposes the bill and is backing a backing a separate measure from House Republican Leader Ken Fredette. That bill ties the energy efficiency fix to a proposal that would create a state energy commissioner and give LePage more control over Efficiency Maine Trust.
The committee didn't vote on Fredette's bill on Tuesday.