AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technologies Committee, and Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the committee, issued the following statements Wednesday in response to Gov. Janet Mills' veto letter regarding LD 170, An Act Pertaining to Transmission Lines Not Needed for Reliability or Local Generation.
"I worked hard to address concerns that the public flagged in the CMP Corridor debate so that we have a more transparent and accountable process moving forward and that our clean energy transition proceeds at the necessary pace to meet our climate goals," said Grohoski, sponsor of LD 170. "When writing this bill, I consulted with the Office of the Public Advocate, the Public Utilities Commission and developers who did not raise any concerns with me, so I am surprised and disappointed by this outcome. I hope my colleagues join me in voting to override this veto on May 9."
"LD 170 is a good bill," said Berry, cosponsor of the legislation. "As we learned from the recent CMP Corridor debate, not all transmission lines are created equal. LD 170 does not prevent future transmission lines in Maine to serve Massachusetts and others in the region. On the contrary, it asks that they be developed for mutual benefit and in consultation with communities and landowners who may otherwise be forced to host new infrastructure. Without this bill, private utility corporations like CMP can override town ordinances and can seize your private property by eminent domain and they do not even need to ask nicely first."
Grohoski is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents House District 132, which includes the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton.
Berry represents House District 55, which includes Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Swan Island and most of Richmond. He previously served from 2006 to 2014, the final two years as House majority leader, and returned to the House in 2016.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Grohoski, Berry], c. 812-1111