Bill > LD694

This bill requires that petitions for high-impact electric transmission lines submitted to the Public Utilities Commission must now include a specific conservation funding provision. Specifically, the petition must include an annual payment to the Land for Maine's Future Trust Fund at a rate of $10,000 per megawatt of the transmission line's nameplate capacity. At least 20% of this annual payment must be specifically directed to the Conservation Land Management Fund. A high-impact electric transmission line typically refers to a large-scale electricity transmission project that crosses significant distances and has substantial environmental or land use implications. By mandating this financial contribution, the bill aims to ensure that large-scale transmission line projects provide direct financial support for land conservation efforts in Maine, effectively creating a funding mechanism that ties infrastructure development to environmental preservation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=694&snum=132