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LD 846

An Act To Protect Natural Resources By Clarifying Hydropower Dam Removal Requirements

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Blier

Clarifies dam removal rules for hydropower facilities to better protect natural resources, guiding owners, state agencies, and communities through removal decisions.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#dams #maintenance #removal
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Bill Summary · LD 846

Summary: LD 846 — An Act To Protect Natural Resources By Clarifying Hydropower Dam Removal Requirements

Overview

LD 846 is Maine legislation introduced on March 4, 2025, titled “An Act To Protect Natural Resources By Clarifying Hydropower Dam Removal Requirements.” The bill seeks to clarify the requirements surrounding the removal of hydropower dams to better protect natural resources. As of the latest actions, the bill remains carried over in the same posture to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature.

Purpose and intent

  • The stated aim, per the title, is to protect natural resources by clarifying dam removal requirements associated with hydropower facilities.
  • The exact statutory changes are not provided in the available data. The bill’s intent suggests reducing ambiguity in regulatory or permitting processes tied to dam removal, with potential implications for environmental protection, water resources, and dam ownership/maintenance obligations.

Key provisions (availability and scope)

  • Specific text of provisions is not included in the provided materials.
  • The bill’s classification and subject indicate focus areas include dams, maintenance, and removal, with an emphasis on natural-resource protection.
  • If enacted, anticipated areas of impact typically include clarifications to removal criteria, permitting processes, and oversight by relevant state agencies (e.g., environmental or natural resources departments). Readers should consult the full bill text for precise provisions, thresholds, timelines, and compliance requirements.

Who would be affected

  • Hydropower dam owners and operators (and any prospective removal projects).
  • State environmental and natural resources agencies responsible for dam permitting, review, and oversight.
  • Local governments and communities near dams that may be subject to removal projects.
  • Environmental advocacy groups, fishermen, water-users, and other stakeholders with interests in aquatic ecosystems and natural resources.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: March 4, 2025
  • 2025-03-04: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; printed; sent for concurrence.
  • 2025-03-21: Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session (Joint Order SP 519).
  • 2025-05-15: Work Session Held — TABLED
  • 2025-05-16: Carry Over Requested
  • 2025-05-19: Carry Over Approved
  • 2025-06-25: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session (Joint Order SP 800)
  • Status: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could clarify which dams qualify for removal, what environmental assessments are required, and the procedural steps for removal projects.
  • Could influence timelines, permitting criteria, cost-sharing or funding mechanisms, and protections for natural resources such as fisheries, water quality, and habitat.
  • The carry-over status indicates the measure may be revisited in a future session, with no current enactment.

How to track or participate

  • For updated text and amendments, monitor the Maine Legislature’s bill pages and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee actions.
  • Interested stakeholders can testify or submit input during committee sessions when reconvened.

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

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