Maine regulators approved the New England Clean Energy Connect corridor, designed to carry hydropower from Quebec into Massachusetts, with a requirement to permanently conserve 50,000 acres in the area it crosses in western Maine. However, observers fear that project developer Central Maine Power (CMP) is falling behind on this commitment. CMP has stated that it is on track to meet the requirement in time for the project to begin commercial operation by the end of 2025.
The conservation of land is crucial to offset the environmental impact of the power line on the woods and wildlife in western Maine. Following criticism of the project, requirements were increased from 40,000 to 50,000 acres of permanently conserved land that must have high conservation values. The developers submitted a conservation plan in 2021, but the Maine Department of Environmental Protection found it insufficiently detailed. CMP has been negotiating with landowners but has not submitted additional information for review.
State regulators, legislators, and conservationists have expressed concern about the progress CMP has made in meeting the conservation commitment. The Commissioner of DEP has stated that CMP cannot simply contribute funds to meet the conservation requirement and that any plan must be approved by DEP regulators. Despite CMP’s assurances that they are on track, concerns remain about the ability to meet the conservation requirements in time for the project to proceed. The Forest Society of Maine, which owns and holds conservation land in the area, acknowledges that finding the right combination of landowners and conservation holders could be challenging.
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