Bill > LD138

This bill modifies two sections of Maine's environmental regulations (38 MRSA §480-E and §485-A) to protect public-use airports during the permitting process. Specifically, the bill prevents the state department from including any permit conditions that would, in the department's determination, decrease safety within an airport's "air operations area" - which includes aircraft movement areas, parking areas, loading ramps, and safety zones. The bill provides precise definitions for key terms like "air operations area" (drawing from federal aviation regulations), "airport security program" (a Transportation Services Administration-approved security plan), and "public-use airport" (as defined in federal transportation code). By restricting permit conditions that might compromise airport safety, the bill aims to ensure that environmental permitting does not inadvertently create risks for airport operations, potentially helping to maintain the integrity and safety of public airports during development or environmental review processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=138&snum=132