Bill to exempt ocean windfarm landbased facilities from scenic and environmental laws. Audio mp3s.

On May 10, 2023 the Maine Legislature's  Environment & Natural Resources Committee  took testimony on LD 1847;  a bill to make  coastal development related to offshore windpower production IMMUNE to Maine's scenic beauty limits or laws.   There were no opponents from the public. Though some skepticism among legislators.    

WARNING: it is full of comical BS on why Sears Island, Searsport, is, alas, the only place on the Maine coast where a "wind terminal" could possibly go, to service windfarm development....off Portland!

Read LD 1847 An Act to Modify the Visual Impact Standards for Offshore Wind Port Development

LISTEN TO: 

Bill Introduction Chip Curry  and  QA 6min26sec

Testimony on  LD 1847 from DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim 5min

QA  of Commissioner Melanie Loyzim 4min 40sec

Beth Ahearn, Me Conservation Voters & QA 6min45sec

Ben Lucas Chamber of Commerce & QA  7min 11sec

Full Public Hearing on LD 1847_30min

The specific purposes for Maine DEP and Maine LUPC

Key changes to laws that LD 1847 proposes, for shielding this industry is excluding the statement that..."determination that an offshore wind terminal fits harmoniously into the existing natural environment in terms of potential effects on scenic or natural character and existing uses related to scenic character is required for approval..."

The bill would do this two ways :
* Allow developers before the Land Use Planning Commission to ignore Title 12, section 685-B, subsection 4, paragraph C.: "Adequate provision has been made for fitting the proposal harmoniously into the existing natural environment"

 
* Allow developers before Maine Dept of Environmental Protection to ignore Title 38, section 484, (Site Law) subsection 3. (No adverse effect on the Natural Environment):
"The developer has made adequate provision for fitting the development harmoniously into the existing natural environment and that the development will not adversely affect existing uses, scenic character, air quality, water quality or other natural resources in the municipality or in neighboring municipalities."