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LD 810

An Act Regarding The Approval Of Transmission Lines

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nicole Grohoski and 1 co-sponsor

The act revises Maine’s process for approving high-voltage electric transmission lines, altering how projects are reviewed, permitted, and approved at the state level.

Signed by Governor
#approvalprocess #electricutilities #transmissionlines
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Bill Summary · LD 810

Summary — LD 810: "An Act Regarding the Approval of Transmission Lines"

Status: Signed by the Governor (6/17/2025)
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Kessler of South Portland
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Classification / Subject: Approval process for electric transmission lines / Electric utilities, transmission lines

Purpose / Intent

The bill’s title and legislative course indicate its intent is to revise the statutory approval process for high-voltage electric transmission lines in Maine. The changes are aimed at modifying how transmission projects are reviewed, approved or permitted at the state level (for example, procedures involving utilities, developers, regulators and affected municipalities/landowners). The specific policy goals (e.g., streamlining permitting, revising jurisdiction, adding procedural steps, or changing standards) are not included in the materials provided here.

Key procedural facts and outcome

  • Committee review: Referred to the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee; multiple work sessions and a divided report were recorded. Committee Amendment “A” (H‑410) was adopted.
  • Floor action: The House and Senate debated and voted on the engrossed, amended bill. Votes recorded include close margins: e.g., House concurrence 6/9/2025 (Yeas 74 – Nays 73) and passage to be enacted on 6/10/2025 (Yeas 74 – Nays 69).
  • Final status: Passed both chambers and signed into law by the Governor on June 17, 2025.

Fiscal impact

All three fiscal notes associated with LD 810 (preliminary and as amended/engrossed) state: “No fiscal impact.” (Approved 03/18/25, 04/24/25, and 06/09/25.)

Who is affected

Likely affected parties — based on the bill’s subject — include:
- Electric utilities and transmission developers (project proposal, siting, approval processes)
- State oversight bodies and regulators involved in energy/utility permitting (e.g., Public Utilities Commission or other permitting authorities)
- Municipalities, landowners, and other stakeholders along proposed transmission corridors
Because the bill text is not provided here, the exact scope and regulatory changes (and therefore the precise parties affected) cannot be stated with certainty.

Uncertainties / Recommended next steps

  • The specific statutory changes, definitions, approval criteria, timelines, and any new procedural requirements are not included in the supplied documents. To understand the substantive impact, read the enrolled (final) bill text and Committee Amendment H‑410.
  • Sources: Maine Legislature website (search LD 810 / LR 2391) or the Office of Legislative Information for the full engrossed/enacted language, fiscal analyses, and committee materials.
  • For stakeholders: review the enacted language to identify new compliance requirements, timelines for applications, appeal or review procedures, and any transition or grandfathering provisions. Consider contacting the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee staff or the bill sponsor for clarification.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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