AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate has failed to muster enough support to revive a bill that would have restored a program that provides rebates for residents who install solar panels.

In a 22-13 vote on Wednesday, the bill fell two votes short of the two-thirds majority support it needed to overturn Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto. The House voted to override the veto on Tuesday.

The measure, which environmental groups lobbied heavily for this session, would have provided $1 million for the program until 2016. It also would have allowed the funds to be used to help low-income residents buy heat pumps.

LePage and GOP lawmakers objected to the bill because it would’ve added 60 cents a year to residents’ electric bills.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.