By Libby Palanza

March 6, 2026

Maine’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee has unanimously voted to reject a proposal that would have overridden local ordinances on renewable energy development.

Originally introduced as an entirely different measure, a sponsor’s amendment shared last month overhauled LD 2174 by striking and replacing its contents, as well as giving it a new title.

Under the proposed amendment, brought forward by Rep. Christopher J. Kessler (D-South Portland), any local ordinances pertaining to renewable energy development that were “more stringent” than those included in state law would have been void and had “no force or effect.”

Impacted by this provision would have been ordinances regulating solar energy developments, wind energy developments, energy storage system developments, and high-impact electric transmission lines.

In other words, the bill was poised to override municipalities’ home rule regarding the regulation of renewable energy developments, nullifying any standards that are stricter than those set by the state.

Read the full article at https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/committee-unanimously-rejects-bill-jeopardizing-home-rule-over-renewable-energy-regulation/

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