Resolve, Establishing a Commission To Develop Methods for the State To Promote the Generation of Electrical Power in an Environmentally Sound Manner and Independent of Foreign Fuel Imports

Sec. 1. Commission to Develop Methods for the State to Promote the Generation of Electrical Power in an Environmentally Sound Manner and Independent of Foreign Fuel Imports established. Resolved: That the Commission to Develop Methods for the State to Promote the Generation of Electrical Power in an Environmentally Sound Manner and Independent of Foreign Fuel Imports, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 9 members appointed as follows:

1. Three members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, each of whom serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy;

2. Three members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House, each of whom serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy;

3. Two members of the public, appointed by the President of the Senate, each of whom has expertise in electrical generation; and

4. One member of the public, appointed by the Speaker of the House, who has expertise in electrical generation; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair of the commission and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of the commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission, which must be no later than October 1, 2007; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study methods for the State to promote the generation of electrical power in a manner that is independent of foreign fuel imports and has a minimal negative impact on the environment. The commission shall meet at least 2 times and may hold a public hearing and information sessions to receive public testimony and recommendations from residents of the State and qualified experts when appropriate; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the legislative members of the commission are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 4, 2008, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy and the Legislative Council. The commission is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature at the time of submission of its report; and be it further

Sec. 9. Extension. Resolved: That, if the commission requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further

Sec. 10. Commission budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for its approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission's exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

summary

This resolve establishes the Commission to Develop Methods for the State to Promote the Generation of Electrical Power in an Environmentally Sound Manner and Independent of Foreign Fuel Imports, which consists of 9 members, 6 Legislators and 3 members with expertise in the generation of electricity. The resolve requires the commission to meet at least twice and report its findings, recommendations and any implementing legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy and the Legislative Council no later than January 4, 2008. The commission is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.