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

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language for Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 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 unanimous vote of 28-0, provides $61.5 billion in discretionary funding, including $35 billion in defense funding and $26.5 billion in non-defense funding.

"This legislation provides funding to strengthen the research, development, and deployment of energy storage and low-emission technologies and manufacturing in Maine and throughout the United States," 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 Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advance this funding as the appropriations process moves forward."

Bill Highlights:

Local Projects: $26 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine.

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC): $46 million for the NBRC, including $4 million to address the decline in forest-based economies and $1.5 million for the State Capacity Building Grant Program. In 2023, Maine was awarded $11 million in NBRC funds.

Energy Storage: $620 million for energy storage research across the Department.

Weatherization Assistance Program: $326 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $35 million for the Weatherization Readiness Fund.

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: $40 million and report language to continue a competitive carbon dioxide removal purchasing pilot program to promote carbon removal technology.

Kennebec River Maintenance Dredging Plan: Includes language directing the Army Corps and Navy to provide the appropriate resources to Kennebec River annually to ensure the channel is navigable for the safe passage of newly constructed Navy guided missile destroyers.

This funding and language advanced through the Committee's markup of the FY 2025 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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