LD 894 would have prevented Maine towns from passing ordinances that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, from phasing out natural gas hookups in new construction to transitioning to more efficient, electrified heating. Identical legislation has been adopted in 20 states due to a national effort led by the fossil fuel industry and framed as “energy choice.” More aptly called the “fossil fuel protection bill,” LD 894 was defeated by the Maine Legislature, upholding the home rule authority of towns to phase out fossil fuel infrastructure and increase the beneficial electrification of heating and transportation if they so choose.