127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1693		LR 2640(01)
	Resolve, Establishing the Commission To Study the Economic, Environmental and Energy Benefits of the Maine Biomass Industry
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Gideon of Freeport
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Legislative Cost/Study Current biennium cost increase - Federal Expenditures Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	The general operating expenses of this commission are projected to be $2,750 in fiscal year 2016-17.  The Legislature's budget includes $10,000 in fiscal year 2016-17 for legislative studies.  Whether this amount is sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.  The additional costs of providing staffing assistance to the commission during the interim can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted staff resources.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill requires funding for commission expenditures come from federal funds provided by the United States Department of Energy to the Governor’s Energy Office. This fiscal note assumes that the per diem and expenses of legislative members of the commission will come from the legislative budget as described above. Any additional costs for departments and agencies to provide support and assistance to the commission are assumed to be minor and can be absorbed within the existing budgeted resources of the departments and agencies participating.