AUGUSTA - Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, introduced a measure Wednesday that would balance Maine's renewable energy development goals with efforts to conserve the state's valuable farmland, soils, and fish and wildlife habitat.
"Across the state, we are seeing large solar and other energy developments on farmland, including in my hometown of Farmington," said Landry. "This bill doesn't stop a landowner or developer from moving forward with these types of projects. Instead, it builds conservation into the process so that we can pursue our renewable energy goals while also protecting our valuable agricultural assets, and fish and wildlife habitat."
LD 1881 would require developers of large-scale solar, wind and transmission line projects to provide funding for the conservation of valuable agricultural land or fish and wildlife habitat.
"This bill is good for our state's carbon footprint, for the health of our natural resources and local biodiversity, for developers who will know what to expect and for the farmers and landowners who will still be able to benefit financially from these projects," said House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham. "This is a win-win for us all, and I am happy to offer my strong support for this measure."
The proposal is the product of a yearlong stakeholder process, which included Landry and representatives from the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, state agencies, the renewable energy sector and conservation advocacy groups. Many of the stakeholders testified in favor of the measure at Wednesday's public hearing.
"Renewable energy siting decisions include multiple trade-offs, and it is difficult to craft legislation to make all sides happy," said Jeff Romano, senior public policy manager at the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. However, LD 1881 successfully balances the competing goals of renewable energy development, wildlife habitat protection and agricultural land conservation."
The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill in the coming days, at which time committee members will have the opportunity to debate and offer amendments before voting on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Landry is serving his third term in the Maine House, representing Chesterville and Farmington. He serves as House chair of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and is a member of the Marine Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Landry, Terry], c. 305-965-2744