AUGUSTA (AP) — A Maine legislative panel has turned down Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to use revenue generated from increased logging on public lands to fund a program to help residents invest in modern heating equipment and lower their energy costs.
The Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee voted 8-3 Wednesday to recommend to the full Legislature that the bill not pass. The measure would put $1 million from the timber harvest revenue into a fund to help residents pay for things like heat pumps or new insulation systems.
The Democratic-led House advanced a separate bill on Thursday to re-establish a rebate program for people that install solar power systems. The amended bill would also establish a fund helping low-income Mainers buy things like heat pumps to reduce energy costs.
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