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Maine Lawmakers Advance Bill Modifying Transmission Line Approval Process
Legislators on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee have moved forward with a bill aimed at revising the legislative process tied to the construction of high-impact transmission lines in Maine. This development follows a referendum from 2021 which mandated that any new transmission lines receive approval from the Maine Legislature.
The committee made a decision with a 7-4 vote along party lines to endorse LD 810, introducing a few minor amendments in the process.
The essence of the legislation is to clarify that once the Maine Legislature designates the development of a new transmission line, it should not require subsequent approval from the Legislature after the Public Utilities Commission has conducted its review.
Democratic members present supported the measure proposed by Representative Chris Kessler (D-South Portland), while Republican members expressed concerns regarding the potential repeal of existing oversight rules.
“This is a necessary and prudent policy aimed at lowering the costs associated with building transmission infrastructure in Maine, ultimately benefiting ratepayers,” Kessler asserted. He emphasized the need for thorough assessments of these projects, noting that the current regulations may result in developers investing substantial amounts that could be nullified by legislative disapproval.
In 2021, Maine voters sanctioned a ballot measure designed to enhance legislative supervision over new transmission projects. This campaign saw significant grassroots involvement alongside over $60 million in opposition funding primarily from international energy corporations.
The referendum was perceived as a strategic move to halt the contentious New England Clean Energy Connect project, a 145-mile transmission route through western Maine. Despite significant political and legal challenges, Central Maine Power’s corridor project is still on track for completion later this year.
Senator Nicole Grohoski (D-Hancock), who played a crucial role in the 2021 referendum, articulated that the goal was to provide a platform for public discussion regarding transmission lines proposed by private entities, separate from those initiated by the Legislature. She argued that LD 810 serves to clarify the original intent of the referendum.
Grohoski also highlighted the necessity to differentiate between lines authorized by the Legislature and those put forth by profit-driven entities.
Conversely, Representative Steven Foster (R-Dexter) expressed discomfort with the bill’s intent to repeal existing regulations. He argued that the current rules grant residents affected by such projects, who may face the prospect of eminent domain, the opportunity to present their concerns directly to the Legislature instead of through impersonal notifications.
“This offers one final chance for discussion and debate on the proposed lines before a decision is made,” Foster stated.
Senator Matt Harrington (R-York) expressed his inner conflict prior to voting against the bill, suggesting that while he recognized the need to facilitate investments in Maine, the general public often becomes concerned about these projects only after potential routes are established, which generally follows legislative clearance.
Prior to the committee’s vote, Kessler suggested an amendment to the bill, incorporating the term “statutory” to ensure that transmission lines proposed by agencies with the necessary statutory authority would be recognized as having legislative approval.
A legislative analyst indicated the potential to return to the committee with additional clarifications to define the parameters of agency authority further.
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