Maine (1999 EWS)

Part of Maine's follow up activities includes a proposed feasibility study to evaluate the state's potential for ethanol production. Maine has a variety of feedstocks to consider including potato culls and waste, wood residues, and rotation crops such as barley. The result of the feasibility analysis will help to determine which feedstocks are the most viable in the near term. Funding for this feasibility study had not been confirmed by the date of this issue. In the last legislative session, the Agriculture Products Utilization Commission, composed of industry and government appointments by Governor King, was formed to develop an industry for the utilization of forest waste and agricultural byproducts for resource recovery including ethanol production. Representatives include commissioners of Environmental Protection, Agriculture, Economic Development, regulators, wood products and agricultural industries. In addition, a tax credit was passed to support transportation of wood waste to a bio-electric or bio-ethanol facility. Maine's $5,000 in follow-up funds were applied towards the costs of key individuals participating in regional educational roundtables and meetings about ethanol.

Bioenergy Coordinator: Chris Carroll, Maine Dept of Economic & Community Development, Ph: 207-287-8457, Fx: 207-287-5701, Email: Christopher.carroll@state.me.us.