WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 2013

An Act To Authorize The Commissioner Of Marine Resources To Adopt Emergency Rules To Protect Certain Marine Mammals In Exceptional Circumstances

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Allison Hepler

Authorizes Maine's Marine Resources Commissioner to bypass standard procedures and quickly implement protective rules for marine mammals during emergencies.

Signed by Governor
#administration #marineresourcesdept #rulemaking
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 2013

Legislative bill overview

LD 2013 grants Maine's Commissioner of Marine Resources authority to adopt emergency rules to protect certain marine mammals during exceptional circumstances without going through standard regulatory procedures. The bill streamlines decision-making to allow rapid response to threats to marine mammal populations.

Why is this important

Marine mammals face time-sensitive threats—from disease outbreaks to unusual mortality events to entanglement crises—where standard regulatory timelines may be too slow. This authority could enable faster protective measures, though it also concentrates significant discretionary power in one executive position without typical legislative oversight during implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power vs. legislative oversight: Emergency rule authority bypasses the normal legislative process, raising concerns about checks and balances. Some will argue this is necessary for rapid response; others may see it as overreach.
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill references "certain marine mammals" and "exceptional circumstances" without tight definitions, potentially allowing broad interpretation of when emergency authority applies.
  • Industry impact: Depending on implementation, emergency rules could restrict fishing, shipping, or coastal development activities with minimal advance notice, affecting commercial interests.

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

Sign in to ask a question.