Whereas, certain geological formations, particularly sand and gravel and fractured bedrock aquifers, contain large amounts of high-quality groundwater; and

Whereas, the continued availability of clean drinking water from such formations is necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people; and

Whereas, the economic and social well-being of the citizens of the State depends upon the wise and judicious use of our scarce natural resources; and

Whereas, scarce and valuable groundwater resources in the State have and will continue to be developed for private gain; and

Whereas, the public has a clear interest in the development and use of such resources; and

Whereas, many jobs are dependent upon the continued availability of such resources; and

Whereas, current developments threaten to deny employment opportunities to certain Maine workers; and

Whereas, Maine workers must be provided a fair opportunity to obtain the employment generated through the use of that resource; 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. 38 MRSA §482, sub-§1-B is enacted to read:

1-B.__Developer of groundwater resources.__"Developer of groundwater resources" means any public water system that develops a significant groundwater aquifer primarily for the distribution and sale of bottled water.

Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §482, sub-§§4-G is enacted to read: