WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 1210

An Act To Regarding Renewable Electricity Generation By Hydropower Projects

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Scott Cyrway and 7 co-sponsors

LD 1210 would require DEP to apply new criteria in FERC relicensing or surrender reviews for existing hydropower projects, increasing cost and complexity of renewals or termination

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
#applications #dams #sales
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1210

Summary: LD 1210 — An Act Regarding Renewable Electricity Generation by Hydropower Projects

Quick overview

  • Bill number: LD 1210
  • Title: An Act Regarding Renewable Electricity Generation by Hydropower Projects
  • Status: Dead (placed in Legislative Files) as of May 22, 2025
  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
  • Fiscal note: Approved May 14, 2025
  • LR reference: LR 2387(02)

Purpose and intent

LD 1210 would modify how the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reviews hydropower projects during federal relicensing or license surrender processes managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The bill seeks to expand the DEP’s review framework to consider additional criteria when existing hydropower facilities seek reauthorization or terminate their licenses.

Key provisions

  • New review criteria: The bill would require DEP to apply additional criteria when a hydropower project undergoing relicensing or surrender with FERC triggers DEP review.
  • Triggering events: The new review criteria would be engaged specifically in the context of FERC relicensing or license surrender proceedings for existing hydropower projects.
  • Review logistics: DEP has indicated that these additional reviews cannot be conducted within current staffing and resources and would likely rely on contracted services when the criteria are triggered.
  • Estimated cost per contracted review: Approximately $100,000 per review.
  • Fiscal impact: The fiscal note identifies a potential future biennial cost increase to the General Fund due to these contracted reviews.

Fiscal impact and implementation

  • Agency impact: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would bear the added workload/resource requirements.
  • Funding: The estimated cost for each contracted review is about $100,000; DEP would need to secure funding (via the General Fund) to cover these costs as they arise.
  • Resource considerations: DEP states it cannot conduct the new reviews within existing staffing and resources and would rely on contracted services when triggered.

Affected parties

  • State government: DEP and related environmental permitting processes.
  • Hydropower projects: Existing hydropower facilities subject to FERC relicensing or license surrender.
  • Renewable electricity landscape: Potential indirect impact on the generation and licensing timeline of renewable hydropower projects.

Procedural history and status

  • March 20, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
  • March–April 2025: Committee proceedings; work sessions held; bill tabled at various points.
  • May 20–22, 2025: Reported out and debated; on May 22, 2025, the Majority Ought Not to Pass report was accepted; the bill was placed in the Legislative Files and labeled “DEAD” thereafter.
  • Roll call outcomes around passage attempts show a divided vote (e.g., Yeas 76 – Nays 65 on May 22 status event; additional earlier votes noted).

Why this matters (impact takeaway)

If enacted, LD 1210 would intensify DEP oversight of hydropower relicensing and surrender processes by introducing new criteria to be considered during FERC-related reviews. This could affect the pace and cost of renewing or terminating hydropower licenses, potentially influencing the renewable electricity generation landscape in Maine through added procedural requirements and contracted-review costs. As currently recorded, the bill did not advance to enactment.

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

Sign in to ask a question.