PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 5, 2025
Lawmakers in Maine are looking to create a climate superfund that would collect fees from groups that extract fossil fuels and refine crude oil, then use that money to fund clean energy initiatives. Two states — Vermont and New York — have passed similar laws, and they are being challenged in court by businesses and the Trump administration. Maine is among 11 states currently considering bills to create similar climate superfunds. LD 1870, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, would be retroactive and apply to any fossil fuel extractor or crude oil refiner between Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2024. Brenner said the proposal is a matter of fairness, because greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are causing increased storm damage and public health concerns, and the costs are being borne by state and local taxpayers.