Public Laws

Chapter 661

S.P. 908 - L.D. 2283

An Act To Implement Recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Wind Power Development

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  development of the State's wind energy resources may provide varied and significant tangible benefits to the State's environment and economy; and

Whereas,  assurance of a significant increase in wind energy generation capacity in the State over the next decade is a key element of state and regional strategies to enhance utilization of indigenous, renewable energy resources in order to increase energy independence and security and reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollution emissions and thus help address climate change concerns; and

Whereas,  proposals to locate and build wind energy facilities in the State have at times proven controversial, due to concerns regarding potential effects of such facilities on scenic and other natural resources values and lack of clarity and direction in state policy regarding consideration of such concerns in making state permitting and other land use decisions; and

Whereas,  clarification of pertinent state policies to ensure that wind energy development is sited expeditiously and in a manner that ensures due consideration of other natural resources and community-related values can help ensure timely realization within the State of the many tangible benefits of wind energy; and

Whereas,  the State's interest in the development of wind energy resources must be balanced with the interests of Maine ratepayers; 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,

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