AUGUSTA – Lawmakers on the Legislature’s newest committee heard testimony from state officials on Wednesday outlining Maine’s energy use, policy and regulations.

Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Maine’s Energy Future, including Sen. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, and Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, are charged with developing comprehensive energy legislation that is as smart and efficient as possible.

“The meeting laid some groundwork for us,” Smith said. “We had to absorb lots of information.”

Simpson said it was important that legislators start out with an accurate understanding of Maine’s energy use and state policies.

“It’s good we have people in Maine working on quantifying our energy use and the mix of resources,” she said. “It’s all information we need in order to move forward with regulation.”

John Kerry, director of the Office of Energy Independence and Security, gave the panel a whirlwind briefing on Maine’s energy use within the context of New England, the United States and the world.

Sharon Reishus, chairwoman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, outlined the PUC’s energy-related activities, including the administration of Efficiency Maine, which promotes electricity efficiency, and its regulatory authority.

David Littell, commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, described the state’s climate action plan and provided an overview of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the multi-state, market-based cap-and-trade program in which Maine participates.

Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett, D-Cumberland, the committee’s co-chairman along with Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, also presented members with a proposal to create an account to capture any federal stimulus money issued to the state for conservation and renewable energy.

“The stimulus money coming from the federal government could come in a variety of different forms, with varying levels of flexibility to how the state can spend it,” Bartlett said. “We want to make sure, to the maximum extent possible, that it’s a collaborative process and the Legislature has an opportunity to weigh in. This is just a way to make sure that stuff doesn’t just come sliding through really quickly.”

The committee will meet next week to begin discussing future energy policy. Lawmakers have until April 15 to draft a final report for review by the Legislature.

“I think we’ll be able to start next week to start putting together a plan in a timely manner,” Smith said.

Simpson said it would be important to hear from Kerry’s office again with an eye toward Maine’s expected energy needs.

“Next week we should hear about the state’s projected energy needs, so we can figure out a policy regarding carbon dioxide use and renewable resources,” Simpson said.

Also key for the committee will be Gov. John Baldacci’s comprehensive energy plan for the state, which will be unveiled soon, according to his staff.

“The governor’s plan should be a great reference point for us,” Smith said.