MaineVoters would decide whether Maine borrows for school energy loans
Maine voters would decide whether to let the state borrow up to $10 million to help schools pay for energy and efficiency projects.
What it does
Maine voters would decide whether to allow up to $10 million in state bonds to fund loans for school energy projects. The bonds could run for no more than 10 years.
If voters approve the bond issue, the Department of Education could offer schools low-interest loans of $50,000 to $1 million for energy projects. Eligible upgrades must last at least 10 years.
Argument forLow-interest loans could help school units pay for long-lasting upgrades that may improve energy use, air quality, and emissions.
Argument againstState bonds could leave Maine responsible for repaying debt, even if the school projects do not deliver the hoped-for results.
More detail
The state could issue up to $10 million in bonds to fund school energy loans. The bond proceeds would support energy and energy-efficiency projects in Maine schools. Voters must approve the bond issue in a statewide referendum before it can take effect. The question would go to voters at the statewide election in November after passage. If a majority votes yes, this part would take effect 30 days after the Governor proclaims the result.
The Department of Education could make low-interest loans from a revolving fund for school energy projects. School administrative units could borrow for projects in school facilities, including efficient equipment, insulation, clean energy, and heating, cooling, or ventilation upgrades. Loans would range from $50,000 to $1 million. Equipment and facility upgrades must have a useful life of at least 10 years, and loan payments could run for up to 20 years. The department would work to support project parts eligible for federal tax credits and other state, federal, or Efficiency Maine Trust programs. Loan payments could be made for up to 20 years.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Committee Upon Conclusion of the 132nd Legislature and PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES (DEAD).Died
- 2025
- Jun 25Carry Over Approved
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- Mar 21CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Mar 4In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Mar 4The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.Minor
- Mar 4Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrenceIntroduced
EducationEnvironment & EnergyTaxes & Budget