State lawmakers again consider authorizing northern Maine transmission line

"The Maine Public Utilities Commission and state Department of Environmental Protection must “conduct robust public engagement, hold public hearings and rigorously evaluate the merits of any proposed transmission line issuing approvals,” Rep. Christopher Kessler, D-South Portland, said in prepared testimony."

TRANSLATION:

We say things like that to go through the motions and lull you into complacency but know damn well it is rigged to be approved, just like what has happened with most wind projects. Money talks, Mainers lose.

State lawmakers again consider authorizing northern Maine transmission line

The legislation drew opposition from local residents who said lawmakers should not approve the project without knowing the route, costs and builder.

March 12, 2025

Stephen Singer

Portland Press Herald

EXCERPTS

A 140-mile electric transmission line that would bring wind power from northern Maine to the New England grid has been stalled for years, but it was back before the Legislature on Tuesday as lawmakers again considered authorizing the project.

Sen. Mark Lawrence, co-chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, presented a resolution that would approve construction and operation of the line and related facilities — even though, as critics pointed out, its exact route, cost and developer are still unknown.

That information would still need to be vetted and authorized by state regulators before construction could begin.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission and state Department of Environmental Protection must “conduct robust public engagement, hold public hearings and rigorously evaluate the merits of any proposed transmission line issuing approvals,” Rep. Christopher Kessler, D-South Portland, said in prepared testimony.

Lawmakers called for a line carrying 1,200 megawatts of power as part of a 2021 law intended to remove obstacles and promote the development of renewable energy resources in northern Maine. Regulators approved one that would have extended from a wind farm in the Houlton area to Greater Augusta, but terminated the deal with developer LS Power in December 2023, citing differences over cost...................

........................The legislation stirred up familiar criticism from local residents.

Eric and Becky Rolfson, of Albion, oppose the bill. While they support efforts to stem the worst of climate change, Eric Rolfson said he is “unhappy and actually dismayed” that lawmakers would approve the project without knowing details such as the route, costs and who the builder will be.

.............Deirdre Schneider, legislative liaison for the PUC, said regulators have not asked for the legislation and have not selected a route or a project. The PUC has not taken a position on the legislation.

A law enacted last year changed Maine’s eminent domain laws by limiting forced land sales used to make way for power lines and transmission towers. The measure was in response to concerns raised by property owners in northern and central Maine about the power line that would cut through farmland..........................

Kathleen Newman, vice president of government affairs at CMP, told lawmakers no additional land is needed to establish a contiguous route from Aroostook County to Windsor. If selected, CMP will build more than 100 miles of transmission line next to lines already in use and 40 to 80 miles on land set aside for utility use, she said.

If the Legislature approves transmission lines it should only be after the route is known, Newman said.

https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/12/state-lawmakers-again-consid...

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