LePage bill, intended to create jobs, would have given special deal to Irving
Source: Kennebec Journal
Gov. Paul LePage promoted a late-session bill this month that would have benefited Canadian forestry giant J.D. Irving by giving above-market-rate electric contracts to companies that create sawmill and biomass energy jobs.
Irvings name doesnt appear on L.D. 1632, which calls for establishing a manufacturing jobs program. Although other companies potentially could benefit from it, the proposed law was written on behalf of and tailored for Irving. Lawmakers refer to it simply as the Irving bill.
Critics say the bill, which expands elements of an existing program and ties new incentives to biomass plants, amounts to a multimillion-dollar subsidy for one of the states largest landowners. They also say it was hypocritical for a governor who rails against energy policies that increase electric rates to support a bill that would do exactly that.
LePage initially pushed for lawmakers to take up the bill before the Legislature adjourns. But the sense of urgency faded when members of the governors energy team who didnt get to scrutinize the bill until the day it was printed realized the potential impact on electric customers. Large manufacturers were especially alarmed, saying their electric bills could potentially increase by $2 million a year. By then, there was opposition to quick action, and lawmakers on the committee that handles energy matters voted to carry it over until next year.
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Read more: http://www.centralmaine.com/2017/06/18/lepage-bill-intended-to-create-jobs-would-have-given-special-deal-to-irving/
Corrupt Paulie LePew butters the bread of his Canadian cronies at the expense of Maine people and businesses.
yup
Matthew28
(1,798 posts)the other 95% of the population should go to hell as far as they're concern. Wake up America! Wake up or live within the 19th century without rights.
modrepub
(3,502 posts)has closed more coal plants for this same reason;bringing them up to code would increase rates more than building new combined cycle gas plants.
Be wary of legislatures/politicians hiding gifts for their "friends".
sandensea
(21,656 posts)Schocked, I tell you!