Maine Legislation Shifts from Gas Expansion Ban to Study of Natural Gas’s Future Role in Energy Transition.

State legislation to halt expansion of natural gas infrastructure in Maine has been replaced with a plan to study the industry’s role in the state’s energy future. Environmental advocates argue that continued reliance on gas is detrimental to public health, ratepayer pocketbooks, and Maine’s climate goals. However, the state’s gas utilities see this as a chance to explore roles for alternative fuels like hydrogen and biogas. The initial proposal had faced opposition from gas utilities, building trades, industrial sector, and the Maine Governor’s Energy Office. A compromise amendment eliminated the proposed ban on gas expansions and proposes a state Public Utilities Commission inquiry on future gas investments in Maine, along with a Governor’�s Energy Office study on the economic impacts of existing gas service and its potential role in supporting the transition to a low carbon future. The amendment now heads to the full legislature for a vote and then potential signature by Maine Gov. Janet Mills.