ME LD1270

Creates the Department of Energy Resources as a new cabinet-level state agency in Maine, headed by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with salary in Range 91

Transfers all powers, duties, functions, staff (14 positions), and funding from the Governor's Energy Office to the new department, with total appropriations of approximately $20.5 million annually from General Fund, federal, and other special revenue sources

Assigns the department responsibility for preparing a biennial comprehensive state energy plan, conducting competitive solicitations for renewable energy procurement every two years (capped at 15% of average statewide retail sales), and managing programs including the Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Program and Maine Energy Resources Development Program

Sets oil consumption reduction targets of at least 30% below 2007 levels by 2030 and 50% by 2050, and requires alignment with greenhouse gas reduction goals under state climate policy

Requires wage, safety, and apprenticeship standards (prevailing wage, OSHA compliance) for construction workers on energy projects receiving contracts through department solicitations, with year-over-year wage decreases capped at 15%