An Act To Update The Definition Of "Coastal Wetlands" Under The Natural Resources Protection Act

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Vicki Doudera

LD 65 updates the definition of coastal wetlands under NRPA (and shoreland zoning), changing which tidal areas need permits and how shore regulations apply, with minor DEP costs.

Signed by Governor

#coastalwetlands #protectednaturalresources #wetlands

Purpose and intent

LD 65 revises the statutory definition of “coastal wetlands” used in Maine’s Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA). The change is intended toclarify and/or modify which tidal and coastal wetland areas are subject to NRPA permitting, protection and regulation. The engrossed version also updates the definition as it applies to the State’s mandatory shoreland zoning laws.

Note: The bill text that specifies the precise definitional changes is not included in the supplied documents. This summary describes the bill’s scope and likely effects based on the bill title, fiscal notes and legislative actions.

Key provisions

Updates the statutory definition of “coastal wetlands” under the Natural Resources Protection Act.

(Engrossed version) Applies the updated definition to mandatory shoreland zoning laws as well.

Directs implementation and any needed statutory interpretation or administrative guidance by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Who is affected

Property owners and prospective developers of coastal and tidal properties (may face different permitting requirements).

Municipalities with shoreland zoning responsibilities (may need to apply the revised definition in local administration).

State agencies, especially the DEP (responsible for adopting guidance, updating permit practices and providing assistance).

Conservation organizations and stakeholders concerned with coastal wetland protection.

Fiscal and administrative impact

Multiple fiscal notes (preliminary and final) report a minor cost increase to the Department of Environmental Protection, expected to be absorbed within existing budgeted resources (Other Special Revenue Funds).

The DEP may need to update guidance, administrative procedures, maps or rules to implement the definitional change; costs are expected to be minor.

Legislative and procedural status

Introduced: January 6, 2025 (Sponsor: Rep. Doudera of Camden).

Committee: Environment and Natural Resources — Work session and voted OTP-AM; Committee Amendment “A” (H-161) was adopted.

Passed both chambers (concurrence) and was signed by the Governor on May 29, 2025.

Effective date: Not specified in the provided documents; consult the enrolled statute or the secretary of state for exact effective date and final statutory language.

Practical implications

Depending on the exact wording of the revised definition, LD 65 could expand or narrow the geographic extent of wetlands regulated as “coastal wetlands,” thereby changing which activities require NRPA permits or are subject to shoreland zoning restrictions. Stakeholders should review the enacted text and DEP implementing guidance to determine specific effects on individual properties or municipal ordinances.

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