Sen. Lawrence bill to strengthen access to safe and clean water signed by Governor
AUGUSTA — On May 29, 2025, a bill sponsored by Sen. Mark W. Lawrence, D-Eliot, that will strengthen access to clean water was signed into law by Governor Janet Mills.
LD 241, as amended, allows the Public Utilities Commission to approve a rate change if it determines that the proposal is a cost-effective way to keep water affordable for low-income residential ratepayers. Water is the only essential service for which there is no permanent federal assistance program and no state assistance program in Maine. LD 241 seeks to right that wrong by improving access to water.
“With rising energy, grocery and gas costs, it’s important now more than ever to find solutions to help lower everyday costs. I can’t think of a more important issue than access to clean water. said Sen. Lawrence. “I appreciate the strong majority in the Senate for joining me in support of this measure and am grateful the Governor has signed this bill into law.”
According to the Statewide Water Affordability report released in January 2025, “[water] affordability is rapidly becoming a significant issue in the water sector. Aging infrastructure and significant regulatory requirements, combined with decreased federal funding, have placed increasingly heavier cost burdens on utilities. In recent decades, utilities have raised rates on their customers well beyond the pace of inflation. The resulting cost burden on low-income customers has made many of their bills unaffordable, leading to missed payments and shutoffs.”
LD 241 will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature.
Sen. Lawrence represents Senate District 35, which includes Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick and York.