LD430

Moratoria on hydropower dam removal and water release from nonhydropower dams in Maine until 2027.

This bill imposes a moratorium on the removal of hydropower dams and the release of water from nonhydropower dams in Maine until January 1, 2027. It prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection from approving applications to remove hydropower dams and from issuing orders to release water from nonhydropower dams. The bill also mandates evaluations of the public safety, recreational, fisheries, and wildlife values of dams by relevant state agencies.