Sen. Lawrence introduces bill to ensure wind energy projects don’t harm Maine working waters

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, introduced a bill to propose a moratorium on wind energy projects in state waters, to help ensure these projects will not impact Maine’s working waters and fishing industry. LD 1619, “An Act To Establish a Moratorium on Offshore Wind Power Projects in Maine’s Territorial Waters,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

“This bill strikes the right balance for use of our waters. It establishes a 10-year moratorium on offshore wind in Maine territorial waters. At the same time, it allows Maine’s offshore floating wind research array to go forward,” said Sen. Lawrence. “If we are to take a major step on resolving the climate change threat to our state, its communities and our fisheries, we need to move forward with developing Maine’s unique offshore wind technology.”

LD 1619, which is a governor’s bill, establishes a moratorium until 2031 that would prohibit any state agency or municipality from authorizing or approving the siting, construction or operation of a windmill,  wind turbine or wind tower for an offshore wind power project in state-owned submerged lands or Maine’s territorial waters. The moratorium would not apply to cables, transmission lines and portside infrastructure that may support offshore wind energy generation, and does not apply to an offshore wind energy demonstration project off of Monhegan Island. The moratorium will allow the state to review applicable state laws and rules to determine whether the existing offshore wind power regulatory framework adequately protects Maine’s coastal resources in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects on coastal resources and uses.

“Offshore wind development is a key component in achieving Gov. Mills’ ambitious climate action goals and an outright ban on development would set Maine back for years to come,” said Barry Hobbins, Maine Public Advocate, in testimony supporting the bill, adding that, “LD 1619 would allow Maine to see economic and environmental benefits from offshore wind in Federal waters while protecting State waters for our robust maritime industries.”

The bill faces further action in committee.