Whereas, the Great Northern Paper, Inc. mill in Millinocket is a great resource to the economy of Maine and the citizens in and around the Town of Millinocket; and

Whereas, Private and Special Law 1997, chapter 71 separates the electricity rights from the assets of the Millinocket mill; and

Whereas, the Millinocket mill is currently up for sale; and

Whereas, the electricity rights would be a valuable asset to the mill for prospective purchasers; and

Whereas, Bowater Incorporated, the parent company of Great Northern Paper, Inc., has stated that it will close the Millinocket mill in 18 months if there are no purchasers; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. P&SL 1997, c. 71 is repealed.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill repeals the law that allows Great Northern Paper, Inc. to continue to furnish electricity to and from its Millinocket facilities without being considered an electric utility.