MAINE PUBLIC • April 9, 2021
A bill aimed at increasing the development of Maine’s workforce through apprenticeships and other requirements underwent a lengthy public hearing Friday before the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee. Under the bill, the state would give preference to subsidizing renewable energy projects by contractors that use an apprenticeship program, and pay a prevailing wage. Opponents say the measure could have unintended consequences. “The unintentional consequences of LD 1231 would result in fewer solar array installations being constructed at higher prices due to disqualifying a majority of Maine workers from doing the job,” says Peter Vigue, president of Cianbro.