"These conservation initiatives will go far to protect the environment in Maine and across the nation and to create more efficient energy sources for future generations," said Senator Collins. "Energy conservation is among my most important environmental priorities. I will continue to see that these proposals successfully pass through Congress, and continue to support new and innovative projects that aim to harness the most clean and efficient energy supplies while also preserving our valuable natural resources."
The energy initiatives that Senator Collins voted to preserve include:
$3 billion for tax credits for renewable energy, including electricity produced from biomass. The biomass tax credit provides additional income to the forest products industry in Maine, while at the same time disposing of forest product waste. Energy is generated from biomass without producing any greenhouse gas emissions. This provision was initially offered by Senator Collins.
$2.7 billion in tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid cars, which contribute to cleaner air in Maine. Senator Collins was an original cosponsor of this initiative.
$2.4 billion in tax credits for conservation and energy efficiency efforts. Senator Collins strongly supported these provisions.
Approximately $1 billion to improve the reliability of the country's electricity grid, in order to prevent the series of major blackouts that devastated the Midwest and parts of the Northeast last year.
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