To help you decipher what’s next in the review process for Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed corridor and how you can get involved, here’s more information about what the CMP’s for-profit transmission line faces in the months to come. Flawed PUC Decision On April 11, the Maine Public Utilities Commission issued a certificate of public Read More
CMP Transmission Line Proposal
Central Maine Power (CMP) is proposing to build a 145-mile, high-voltage, direct current transmission line, called the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), from the Quebec-Maine border to an interconnection with the existing New England grid in Lewiston. About 53 miles of the CMP transmission line route would create a brand new transmission corridor; requiring clearing of a large, currently undisturbed, swath of Maine’s North Woods.
Under the proposal, CMP would also expand the other 92 miles of transmission line, requiring clearing more vegetation and undertaking additional development within existing corridors. The proposed CMP transmission line includes above-ground transmission lines across the Kennebec River Gorge, the Appalachian Trail, 263 wetlands, 115 streams, 12 inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat areas, and near Beattie Pond, a Class 6 remote pond.
PUC’s Decision on CMP Corridor Deeply Flawed
NRCM news release April 11, 2019 (Hallowell, ME) – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity for Central Maine Power’s (CMP) corridor project. In a statement issued after the vote, Sue Ely, a Staff Attorney at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, called the decision deeply flawed Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of Three Bills, LDs 1383, 1363, and 271, Regarding CMP Corridor
Senator Mark Lawrence, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology Testimony in Support of: LD 1383, “An Act to Amend Maine’s Municipal Land Use and Eminent Domain Laws Regarding Transmission and Distribution Utilities” LD 1363, “An Act Regarding Energy Transmission Corridors” LD 271, “An Act Regarding a Transmission and Read More
Statewide Poll Shows Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor
As DEP/LUPC public hearings begin, 65% of Mainers oppose the project NRCM news release Augusta, ME – The vast majority of registered Maine voters are firmly opposed to Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed electricity corridor project, according to a new statewide poll conducted by the Portland-based research firm Critical Insights. The survey shows that 65% Read More
PUC Examiner’s Report on CMP Corridor Makes Troubling Conclusions
Fails to address key concern on climate impact, is out of step with growing opposition from Mainers NRCM news release Augusta, ME — The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) staff today issued their “Examiner’s Report” for the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project. The review makes several troubling conclusions and includes a recommended decision from Read More
Study Needed to Show if CMP Project Will Lower Greenhouse Emissions
by Ed Pentaleri, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The Legislature should listen to the voices of the public by passing LD 640 and requiring the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to pursue an independent third-party study of the greenhouse gas impacts of Central Maine Power Co.’s New England Clean Energy Connect proposal. Read More
Janet Mills’ Hometown Votes to Oppose $1 Billion CMP Project She Backs
By Lori Valigra, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story FARMINGTON, Maine — In a 262-to-102 vote Monday night, Gov. Janet Mill’s hometown of Farmington rescinded an earlier letter of support for a $1 billion Central Maine Power electricity transmission project that would run through the town. The 700-seat community center was almost packed for Read More
In Another Hit to CMP Corridor, Farmington Votes to Oppose Project
NRCM news release Farmington, ME – Voters in Farmington tonight voted decisively to oppose the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project. The vote is another sign that CMP’s proposal to cut a huge transmission line through the North Woods to send hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts faces deep and growing opposition from residents throughout western Read More
Franklin County Commissioners Pull Support for CMP Transmission Line
Commissioners said they were not influenced by a complaint about a flier distributed by CMP in Farmington. by Rachel Ohm, Central Maine newspapers Portland Press Herald news story FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners voted to revoke support for a proposed transmission line through western Maine on Tuesday after expressing concerns over the permitting process for Read More
