Urgent: New Bill Threatens Rural Maine Communities

LD 596 Resolve, to Provide Legislative Approval of Northern Maine Transmission Infrastructure

A new bill has been proposed that would grant blanket approval for the Northern Maine Transmission Infrastructure Project – a high-voltage transmission line that would cut through rural communities and include new or expanded substations. While this may sound like a typical infrastructure project, the details – or lack thereof – are deeply concerning.

What’s at Stake?

This bill would give approval to a project with no published budget, plan, route, or map. Essentially, it would allow a transmission line to be constructed over rural lands without any clear understanding of its impact. For rural communities, especially those in low-income areas, this project poses significant risks. The land value for many rural Mainers would be dramatically diminished, and the disruption to their way of life would be immense.

Additionally, local communities have already voiced their concerns through ordinances that actively oppose transmission infrastructure. Many rural towns and cities have expressed that they do not want these projects in their backyards. This bill disregards that local opposition, bypassing community input and approval.

Why Is This a Problem?

At the heart of our mission to preserve the communities, cultures, and environmental integrity of rural Maine, this bill represents a serious threat. Without a clearly defined plan, there is no way to gauge the potential damage this project could do to the land, environment, or people living in these areas. This bill does not provide sufficient oversight, and the lack of transparency is alarming.

What You Can Do

Now is the time for action. Your voice matters in this fight to protect rural Maine from this unchecked project. Here’s how you can help:

1. Contact Your Legislators – Let them know you oppose this bill and urge them to ensure that no project is approved without a clear plan, budget, and route.
2. Prepare Testimony – We encourage you to prepare testimony for upcoming hearings. Whether you’re sharing your concerns about land use, environmental risks, or local opposition, your perspective is invaluable.
3. Spread the Word – Share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors. It’s crucial that more Mainers are aware of this issue and understand what’s at stake for their communities.

This bill is a direct threat to the rural character of Maine and to the rights of the people who live here. If approved, it would set a dangerous precedent for future projects that lack transparency and disregard community wishes. Let’s work together to protect what makes Maine special – our land, our people, and our way of life.

We need your help in contacting legislators, raising awareness, and demanding accountability. Join us in the fight to preserve Maine’s rural communities for generations to come.