The Maine House of Representatives could vote as early as tomorrow on whether to simply correct the clerical error that could slash energy-efficiency funding by $38 million dollars.

This consideration comes after the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee voted 11-2 in favor of the simple fix proposed by Assistant House Majority Leader Sara Gideon (D-Freeport). LD 1215 has received broad bipartisan support, and was the subject of more than four hours of public testimony last week. Legislators on both sides of the aisle, as well as business leaders, environmental groups, and consumer advocates, urged the committee to resolve the funding debate swiftly by passing LD1215.

Governor Paul LePage has said that he will veto the simple fix bill, backing instead a competing bill proposed by House Minority Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport). LD 1221 would restore the Efficiency Maine funding while also creating a department of energy in the executive branch and giving the governor’s office more power over Efficiency Maine.  The Committee has not yet voted on Fredette’s bill.

Supporters of the simple fix achieve “veto-proof” approval by two-thirds of Maine senators and representatives. Constituents who wish to weigh in should contact their legislators directly.