LAKE PROTECTION BILL RECEIVES UNANIMOUS SENATE APPROVAL

AUGUSTA—In a 35-0 vote, the Senate gave initial approval to a measure to protect Maine’s lakes.

“Ensuring our lakes are protected is vital for our economy and our way of life,” said Senator Jim Boyle of Gorham, the Senate Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “We must preserve our lakes not only for our generation, but for our children and our grandchildren.”

The measure strengthens the Department of Environmental Protection’s lake protection program, expands participation in the successful LakeSmart program, supports Maine’s Voluntary Lake Program, and creates environmental protection programs such as water pollution control and water quality protection.

“Maine’s lakes are part of what makes our state a great place to live,” said Senator John Patrick of Rumford. “We have a long history of protecting the integrity of our lakes and we can’t afford to take clean lakes for granted.”

Maine’s more than 6,000 lakes provide drinking water for two thirds of people in Maine, generate more than $3.5 billion dollars in economic activity every year, and support 52,000 jobs, according to the DEP.

The bill, LD 1744,”An Act To Protect Maine Lakes,” is sponsored by Rep. Jeff McCabe and was previously approved in the House 135-0. It faces further votes in the House.