LD1963 imposes new rules on the development of renewable energy transmission in northern Maine by shifting permit review to the Department of Environmental Protection and setting up a structured bidding process for new power lines and renewable energy projects. It mandates that new transmission lines connect at least 1,200 megawatts of renewable energy to the New England grid and prioritizes “energy equity.” The bill also requires developers to enter into agreements ensuring “labor stability”, “safety”, and uninterrupted construction. Additionally, it promotes regional collaboration and federal funding incentives to support Maine’s renewable energy and “climate goals.”
The Maine State Senate passed LD1963 on April 15, 2024 by a vote of 19 to 13. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill prioritizes government-defined “economic benefits” and so-called “energy equity” over free-market principles, while compelling developers to sign labor agreements that could drive up costs and limit competition. It also pushes regional collaboration and federal subsidies, further entrenching Maine’s dependence on federal oversight under the guise of Marxist “climate goals.”