Among the many new state laws going into effect this week is one creating a new cabinet-level Department of Energy Resources (DOER), which will be responsible for coordinating and leading the state’s energy policy and programs.
This Department will replace the existing Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), taking on the agency’s responsibilities alongside new ones identified by the Legislature in the bill approved earlier this year.
Because the Commissioner of the DOER is a cabinet-level position, someone will be appointed by the governor and be subject to confirmation by the Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee and confirmation by the Maine State Senate before formally assuming the role.
[RELATED: Janet Mills Seeks to Elevate Energy Office to Cabinet-Level Department in 2025]
In January, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced her intention to seek legislation that would make this transfer possible. At the time, the governor explained that Maine is one of only a few states to have an energy office located within the governor’s office, while more than 40 already have cabinet-level energy offices.
This is not the first time that efforts have been undertaken to incorporate the Maine’s energy office into the cabinet. In 2017, Republican House Minority Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) proposed establishing a cabinet-level energy agency.
LD 1270, sponsored by Rep. Gerry Runte (D-York), was the legislative vehicle by which the new DOER was created this year.
This bill was ultimately signed into law by Gov. Mills in early July after narrowly passing both the House and Senate along largely partisan lines.
[RELATED: Janet Mills Announces Creation of Maine’s New Cabinet-Level Department of Energy Resources]
“The new Maine Department of Energy Resources will help deliver for more affordable, reliable, and secure energy that is ready to serve Maine people for generations to come,” said Mills in a press release Wednesday.
“The Department will help us plan smarter, seize new opportunities,” she added, “and strengthen our partnerships across the region to meet Maine’s energy challenges and ensure a brighter future for our state.”
“I thank Governor Mills for the opportunity to serve as Acting Commissioner at such an important moment for Maine,” said Dan Burgess, who currently serves as the Director of the GEO and will become the Acting Commissioner of the DOER.
“By elevating energy to cabinet level, the Department will have the people, tools and authority to plan to strengthen our grid, and promote cost-effective energy solutions for Maine,” Burgess continued. “Our focus will be on practical actions that benefit Maine families and businesses today, while preparing for a secure and reliable energy future.”
Rep. Runte, the lawmaker who sponsored the bill leading to the DOER’s creation, also included remarks in the governor’s press release.
“Creating the new Department of Energy Resources is a major step forward for Maine,” Runte said. “By bringing the work now done by multiple agencies under one roof, we can coordinate more effectively, respond faster to emerging technologies, and craft policies with greater clarity and impact.”
“This new department gives Maine the focus and tools we need to lower costs, strengthen reliability, and plan confidently for the future,” said Runte.
Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, also spoke highly of the new Department.
“Energy is one of the most pressing issues for our state’s economy and the Maine State Chamber applauds the Legislature and Governor Mills for their leadership in establishing the Maine Department of Energy Resources,” said Woodcock.
“The Maine State Chamber of Commerce supported this initiative, as addressing energy affordability and meeting our state’s climate targets will require careful planning and execution,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Administration on those efforts with this cabinet-level Department.”
