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Bill > LD430
ME LD430
ME LD430An Act to Impose Moratoria on Hydropower Dam Removal and on Water Release from Nonhydropower Dams and to Make Other Changes to the Laws Regulating Such Dams
summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill amends the laws governing hydropower and nonhydropower dams as follows. 1. It amends the laws governing hydropower projects to prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection from approving an application for a permit to remove a dam that is part of a hydropower project. This prohibition is repealed January 1, 2027. 2. It amends the laws governing release from ownership and water level maintenance for nonhydropower dams to prohibit the department from issuing an order to a dam owner to release water from the dam or, at the request of the dam owner, otherwise authorize or approve the removal of a nonhydropower dam. This prohibition is repealed January 1, 2027. 3. It also amends the laws governing release from ownership and water level maintenance for nonhydropower dams to extend by 30 days certain statutory deadlines under those laws relating to the required consultation process to determine whether a change in dam ownership is available and relating to the assessment of certain public values associated with the dam by certain state agencies. The bill also directs the department to evaluate options for implementation of processes, programs or initiatives to address negative outcomes that may be experienced by municipalities, businesses and property owners upon the removal of, or significant change in, water flows from a hydropower or nonhydropower dam, including, but not limited to, interruptions in or loss of water supply for adjacent municipalities and businesses and damage to or impairment of public and private property and infrastructure resulting from dam removal or change in water flows. On or before January 1, 2026, the department is required to submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources a report outlining its evaluation and including its recommendations along with draft legislation as necessary. After reviewing the report, the committee may report out related legislation.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a temporary moratorium on dam removal and water release for both hydropower and nonhydropower dams in Maine, lasting until January 1, 2027. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection from approving permits to remove hydropower dams or issuing orders to release water from dams. Additionally, the bill extends several statutory deadlines related to dam ownership consultation by 30 days, increasing the consultation and review periods from 180 to 210 days. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential negative impacts of dam removal, including effects on water supply, property infrastructure, and local businesses. By January 1, 2026, the department must submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources detailing its findings and recommendations, with potential follow-up legislation. The bill's emergency clause reflects the Legislature's concern about the immediate economic and environmental implications of dam removal, emphasizing the importance of hydropower dams to Maine's renewable energy generation, local tax revenue, and community economic benefits.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 04/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=430&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0284&item=1&snum=132 |
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