Maine Energy and Water Development Wins Included in Funding Bill, Clears Appropriations Committee

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.  The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. 

The measure, which was advanced by a bipartisan vote of 29-0, provides $58.095 billion in discretionary funding, including $33.422 billion in defense funding and $24.673 billion in non-defense funding.

“This legislation makes a significant investment in the research, development, and deployment of energy storage and low-emission technologies and manufacturing,” said Senator Collins.  “I am pleased the bill supports the Northern Border Regional Commission, which promotes economic development in communities throughout rural Maine.  As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advance this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Bill Highlights:

Local Projects: $22,475,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for requests across Maine through the FY24 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. 

Northern Border Regional Commission: $41 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), a $1 million increase above the FY23 enacted level.  This includes $4 million to address the decline in forest-based economies and $1.25 million for the State Capacity Building Grant Program.  In 2022, Maine was awarded $5.8 million in NBRC funds.  In February, Senator Collins introduced bipartisan legislation reauthorize the NBRC and make Lincoln County eligible to receive funds.

Energy Storage: $570 million, an increase of $30 million above the FY23 enacted level, for energy storage research across the Department.  The bill also includes $10 million and new report language for the development of technical assistance offerings for state Public Utility Commissions and Regional Transmission Organizations to help incorporate expanded integration of long duration energy storage resources on the grid.

Weatherization Assistance Program: $326 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $30 million for the Weatherization Readiness Fund.  In March, Senator Collins introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster the Weatherization Assistance Program in an effort to lower household energy costs.

Advanced Manufacturing: $20 million to continue development of additive manufacturing involving nanocellulose feedstock materials made from forest products, supporting the University of Maine’s partnership with Oak Ridge National Lab.

Island and Remote Community Energy Transition: $15 million for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project, which supports the efforts of island and remote communities grappling with high energy costs, reliability, and inadequate infrastructure.  

Wood Heaters: $5 million for continued support of development and testing of new domestic manufactured low-emission, high-efficiency, and residential wood heaters.

Carbon Removal: $20 million and report language to continue a competitive carbon dioxide removal purchasing pilot program to promote carbon removal technology.  The bill also includes $250,000 for the Council on Environmental Quality to develop an ocean carbon dioxide removal regulatory framework report.

Kennebec River Maintenance Dredging Plan: Includes $100,000 to conduct a survey to prepare for the dredge of the Kennebec River. The bill also includes language directing the Army Corps to maintain collaboration with the Navy to ensure regular maintenance dredging of the Kennebec, as this is essential for safe passage of newly constructed Navy guided missile destroyers.

This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.  Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.      

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