Bill > LD920

This bill directs the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a comprehensive review of the licensing process for solid waste disposal facilities. Specifically, the DEP must examine the current statutes, rules, and policies governing the licensing of these facilities, with the goal of identifying both efficiencies and inefficiencies in the review process. The review will include a general assessment of the licensing procedures and a targeted examination of the Penobscot Energy Recovery Company's waste-to-energy facility in Orrington. The department is required to investigate potential impediments to efficient license application, renewal, and modification processes, analyze processing timelines and reasons for any delays, explore ways to improve staffing to eliminate inefficiencies, and develop methods to enhance the overall licensing process. To support this review, the DEP will establish a stakeholder group to provide guidance and input. By December 3, 2025, the department must submit a detailed report to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, including recommendations and potential legislative proposals. The committee may then choose to introduce a bill based on the report during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=920&snum=132