ME LD2174

Repeals the 1983 Maine Waterway Development and Conservation Act (hydropower-specific) and replaces it with a new unified permitting framework covering hydropower, wind, biomass, solar, and other renewable/clean energy projects of 5 megawatts or greater

Beginning March 1, 2027, requires a single permit from the Department of Environmental Protection for construction, reconstruction, or expansion of renewable or clean energy projects, consolidating review across multiple state agencies

Establishes strict permitting timelines: 105 working days for standard decisions, 60 working days for commissioner-delegated decisions, with permits deemed automatically approved if no decision is issued within the review period

Preempts local authority by prohibiting municipalities from enacting moratoria delaying project review, ordinances prohibiting siting, or standards stricter than state law

Designated as emergency legislation to take effect immediately upon approval, citing rising electricity prices, decreasing renewable energy incentives, and competition with neighboring states that have enacted permitting reforms