maine offshore wind bill

. To view PDF or Word documents, you will need thefree document readers. Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather. Eliza Donoghue, of Maine Audubon, says the threats posed by climate change are far greater than those posed by wind power. Free, user-friendly access to expert-reviewed interactive maps anddata on the ocean ecosystem, economy, and culture of the northeastern United States. Example video title will go here for this video. You have permission to edit this article. Unique public and private assets andinfrastructure, such as our long tradition of ship building and world-classtraining at Maine higher education and training facilities will help fuel new opportunities for marine-related jobs. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine's Democratic governor has vetoed a bill that concerns the future of offshore wind development in the state. However, given a number of factors, this goal is not realistic at this point. The Maine Lobstermens Association (MLA), Maine Coast Fishermens Association and New England Fishermens Stewardship Association all voiced support for the legislation. The bill, L.D. Vetoes Offshore Wind Bill Over Fair Labor Rules. But lawmakers are staying in session and racing to complete unfinished business before the Fourth of July holiday weekend. In the governors letter, she indicated an openness to continuing negotiations, Curry said. Gov. Those procurements by the Maine Public Utilities Commission could begin in just two years, which Lawrence acknowledged is an ambitious goal but one he said is aimed at incentivizing potential developers. It is my preference to continue working on this legislation, and I welcome your openness to discussing additional revisions, as indicated in the sponsors June 23rd response to my letter, through LD 1895 or other legislation as it progresses through the Legislature.. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden has introduced a bill that would bar commercial offshore wind energy development in a key fishing area along the coast of Maine. Member Benefits: Maine PBS Passport, MemberCard & More! She has said the PLA requirement would have a chilling effect on non-unionized firms. We won't share it with anyone else. Janet Mills is the one who originally submitted the bill, which aims to streamline the review process of offshore wind projects in Maine. It has . Golden introduced the legislation shortly after Governor Mills and the Maine Congressional delegation submitted a letter to BOEM urging the agency to minimize all potential conflicts between offshore wind and Maines fishing industries, including by avoiding wind development in key fishing areas like LMA 1. New law creates more transparency on utilities' political spending, State's top gambling regulator reinstated after posting inappropriate tweets, After intense debate and lobbying, lawmakers approve tweaks to solar subsidies, Maine's 'housing first' program to launch with budget bill passage, Legislature passes $800M budget despite GOP opposition. Sign up for The Climate 202 to get scoops and sharp analysis in your inbox each morning. Maines10-year Economic Development Strategyidentifies offshore wind as a critical opportunity to grow the states economy, and encourages the state to set forth a balanced agenda that maximizes economic benefits for Maine people while creating a culture of innovation that creates a foundation for future leadership in this growing industry. What is the state's offshore wind goal? Mills Administration Introduces Bill to Prohibit Offshore Wind in Maine's Heavily Fished Waters For 10 Years April 28, 2021 Proposed moratorium would preserve State waters for fishing and recreation and prioritize offshore wind in Federal waters farther off the Maine coast Secure transaction. Maine has aworld class offshore wind resourceoff our coast and the Gulf of Maine represents one of our states largest untapped clean energy resources. Poetry reading from Sorrows End poems by Rebecca Jessup, Failed wind farm site is biggest land sale in Maine this year, Christmas Tree Shops closure will leave a Bangor shopping center almost empty, 3 dead, 1 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Paris, Botched fireworks display mars Bangor's Fourth of July celebration, 2 new restaurants are thriving in a small Aroostook town, Police on scene of 2-vehicle Paris crash, multiple fatalities reported, The whale in this Vinalhaven video is even more rare than we realized, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. https://golden.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/golden.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/golden_018_xml3.pdf, PUBLIC AUCTION @ Belfast United Methodist Church, Museums Collaborate to Bring Sunken Steamboat Documentary to the Midcoast. Maines Ocean Energy Task Force Final Report (PDF) (2009) set an ambitious goal of installing 5 GW (5,000 megawatts) of offshore wind by 2030. NEW - The Governor's Energy Office released the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, a stakeholder-driven comprehensive plan that offers detailed strategies for Maine to realize economic, energy, and climate benefits from offshore wind, in conjunction with communities, fisheries, and wildlife of the Gulf of Maine. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that aimed to streamline the permitting process for a facility to build massive wind turbines. He lives in Augusta, graduated from the University of Maine in 2012 and has a master's degree from the University Includes locations and status of current offshore wind projects on the US east coast (see Current Issues). The administrations bill sought to create a new type of port development for permitting such facilities, which could require cranes as tall as 700 feet, according to testimony to a legislative committee. It was amended to include language requiring labor agreements, which the governor says would have a chilling effect on the offshore wind sector, and put Maine at a competitive disadvantage with other New England states. Maine Gov. Creating good paying Maine-based offshore wind jobs is central of the states initiative for offshore wind, and workforce development, training and other related programing will be an important part of the stakeholder-driven roadmap effort the state will launch later this year. Janet Mills wrote in her veto message that she is generally supportive of labor agreements but feared in this case that the change could stifle competition.". Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press file. The wind velocity in the Gulf of Maine is consistently stronger than the wind velocity onshore, which makes offshore wind a highly reliable and consistent energy source. Unions Furious as Democratic Maine Gov. WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Jaren Golden introduced on June 23 the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act, which if approved and signed into law would ban commercial offshore wind energy development in Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1). Example video title will go here for this video. Golden introduces bill to protect fishing grounds from offshore wind development. State of Maine Legislature. Advancing this work could make Maine a magnet for talented engineers, scientists, manufacturers and others to capitalize on our cutting-edge research and development. That is where the rub is between Mills and leading lawmakers. Mills has also been a vocal advocate for installing floating wind turbines in the deep waters of the Gulf of Maine so much so that many lobstermen feel the governor isnt doing enough to defend their livelihood, the Bangor Daily News reported. You can register here. Gov. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Janet Mills has made it a focus of her tenure. Climate Driven: A deep dive into Maine's response, one county at a time, Maine Public on Your Voice Activated Device, Infrastructure work across Maine Publics footprint, WATCH: Video On-Demand TV Programs (including Maine PBS PASSPORT), WATCH: Maine Public Television Live Stream, Maine High School Basketball Championship Weekend, Watch Maine Public Television and Additional Channels with an Antenna, Listen to Maine Public Classical on Voice-Activated Devices, Teaching Resources for The Holocaust and Stories That Matter, Community Calendar - Virtual & Live Events in Maine, StoryCorps Military Voices Recording Sessions, Facts About Maine Public's Federal Funding. This collaboration, research and potential for other public-private investments in technology can make Maine a leader in the industry. Launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative is pursing responsible development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine and is determining how to position Maine to benefit from the industry. Mills has asked the legislature to either recall the bill by 3 p.m. Friday, or expect a veto. More by Michael Shepherd, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Exploring options such as the utilization of the port of Searsport underscores how existing maritime assets in Maine could benefit from growth of offshore energy. Send your . Bringing Maine-made offshore wind technology to the Gulf of Maine would create good-paying jobs and generate large amounts of clean energy to meet our climate goals, protect our environment, and help make us more energy independent.. NRCM is working with our partners to pass a bill in the 2023 legislative session that would boost the development of floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine . Because to us that's code for, 'We're going to find some other ways to play some gimmicks rather than look at the most important number, which is what's the kilowatt-hour rate? Proven around the world, offshore wind can lead to economic growth and provide clean energy that combats climate change and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. An environmental review is still to come. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that aimed to streamline the permitting process for a facility to build massive wind turbines. Legislative Democrats, including Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, who sponsored the ports measure, challenged Mills in a letter, noting that any contractor can enter such an agreement and floating an amendment that would ensure Maine workers have priority in the eventual agreements that govern port construction. All links to the site are free. Democrats commandeered a port development billbacked by the governor to add language requiring project labor agreements, a type of collective bargaining deal between unions and construction companies. About 40 percent of those jobs 114,000 were in the clean-energy sector, the report found. The bill was cruising through the Legislature. Cancel anytime. Each day's obituaries, delivered to your inbox. Get the latest headlines on local sports! 1847 was mainly due to language that was added on the Senate floor stipulating all future offshore wind ventures have. As a result, they said the Biden administration will not take civil rights enforcement action against the agencies. Janet Mills has made it a focus of her tenure. . Executive Producer Sorry, this video is not available, please check back later. There are ideas, but I dont want to get into details right now because its an ongoing conversation and discussions back and forth, he said. Therefore, I mist veto it. 1847, said he is in talks with the governors office about amending the bill to secure her support, although he declined to share details of those conversations. 2021 ME LD336 (Summary) An Act To Encourage Research To Support the Maine Offshore Wind Industry. The state is undertaking efforts to revisit this goal through further ongoing analysis as an important part of the roadmap effort. The move marks a setback for environmental justice advocates. New EnglandAqua Ventus is the first of its kind floating offshore pilot project that utilizes floating semisubmersible concrete hulls called the VolturnUS designed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. Maine has more than a decade of experience in the floating offshore wind innovation space, in particular through the work at theUniversity of Maine. The governors climate motto is Maine wont wait, but with this veto, Governor Mills is saying quite clearly that Maine will wait for thousands of good jobs, clean energy and the build out of a new industry, Schlobohm said. The state's access to the Gulf of Maine, an abundant untapped resource with over 156 GW of potential energy, makes it a top player in regional offshore wind development. State of Maine Legislature. Conservationists and labor leaders tout expansion of offshore wind in Maine, and Gov. It was initially intended to set environmental standards for ports that support the manufacturing, construction and operation of offshore wind projects. Passing this legislation is our best chance for Maine to benefit from offshore wind and to ensure it responsibly co-exists with wildlife in the Gulf of Maine., But Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart of Presque Isle said he wants to see exactly how the Maine Public Utilities Commission determines whether contracts with potential offshore wind farms will benefit consumers. Conservationists and labor leaders tout expansion of offshore wind in Maine, and Gov. We cant build the jobs of tomorrow with yesterdays wages and labor standards, the bills lead legislative sponsor, Democratic Sen. Chip Curry of Belfast, said in a statement released by the Maine Labor Climate Council. To stay informed about developments of the Initiative, please sign up for our mailing list. Searchable database of research and other content to facilitate the exchange of information and data on the environmental effects of wind and marine renewable energy technologies and serve as a commons for wind and marine renewable energy practitioners. With this veto, Gov. Prohibiting commercial wind development in LMA 1 protects Maine lobstermens way of life and of making a living for their families and their communities, just as they have for generations, Golden said in a press release. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine's Democratic governor has vetoed a bill that concerns the future of offshore wind development in the state. The chairman of the Legislature's energy committee is proposing a bill that aims to jumpstart the offshore wind industry in Maine. But while environmental and labor groups are already on board, some Republican lawmakers say they'll need to see the details to ensure any offshore wind contracts would actually reduce costs for ratepayers. But then Democrats changed the measure to add a "project labor agreement" requirement for any port construction jobs and related manufacturing facilities. Is there a better way. There was a problem saving your notification. It would take two-thirds votes in both the House and Senate to override the governor's veto. Read the bill at https://golden.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/golden.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/golden_018_xml3.pdf. PLAs generally mandate that companies pay a prevailing wage and hire registered apprentices. However, labor leaders and some Democrats said they were disappointed in the veto. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill related to offshore wind development in. Democratic Maine Gov. 2023 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529. Maines Democratic governor vetoed an offshore wind bill because of its labor standards, EPA closes civil rights investigation into Louisiana pollution, U.S. added 300,000 energy jobs in 2022, Energy Department says, Lordstown Motors files for bankruptcy and sues Foxconn, Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Maine's governor vetoes offshore wind bill, breaking with Biden's labor pledge. Rep. Jared Golden introduced a bill on Thursday that would prohibit commercial offshore wind development in Lobster Management Area 1. The shift to EVs has also retooled the auto industry, creating uncertainty for workers and manufacturers in regions that have historically linked their economies to the transportation sector. Janet Mills is the one who originally submitted the bill, which aims to streamline the review process of offshore wind projects in Maine. I do not believe any of us want to see out-of-state workers being bussed up to coastal Maine to build our offshore wind port while Maine workers are sidelined, sitting at home, she wrote. Member Benefits: Maine PBS Passport, MemberCard & More! But the proposal was endorsed Tuesday by Maine Audubon, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and labor union leaders with the Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council. The bill passed the House on a 73-64 vote well short of the two-thirds needed for a veto override and the Senate on a 22-11 vote. In addition, anevaluationis now underway in Searsport to examine how it can grow to support the transport, assembly and manufacturing of offshore wind turbines to turn this economic potential into reality. The decision put the Democratic governor at odds with the Biden administration, which has repeatedly pledged that new clean-energy jobs will be well-paying union jobs. "It also requires significant mitigation payments.". June 19, 2019 As part of effort, Mills Administration plans to participate in Federal Task Force Governor Janet Mills today signed into law LD 994, legislation that requires the Public Utilities Commission to approve the contract for Maine Aqua Ventus, the first of its kind demonstration project of floating offshore wind in the United States. Bill Info: SC 652 "GOVERNOR - Vetoing L.D. The Initiative will work to develop offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine through thoughtful, collaborative, data-driven strategies that harmonizes with Maines heritage industries -- such as fishing and tourism and the ocean environment. 2023 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529. Whats next: Both Curry and Mills said Friday that negotiations were still happening over the measure. And she says the bill includes environmental safeguards. Become a Strand Member! On November 5, 2019 thePUC approved the contract for the Maine Aqua Ventus pilot project. First two weeks are free, $3.99/month after that. New law creates more transparency on utilities' political spending, State's top gambling regulator reinstated after posting inappropriate tweets, After intense debate and lobbying, lawmakers approve tweaks to solar subsidies, Maine's 'housing first' program to launch with budget bill passage, Legislature passes $800M budget despite GOP opposition. Robert F. Bukaty / AP In this Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 photo, the University of Maine's 9,000-pound prototype wind turbine generates power off the coast of Castine, Maine. Janet Mills on Monday vetoed an offshore wind development bill because she opposed an amendment requiring collective bargaining . We would expect this type of resistance from a Republican governor. View upcoming meetings about offshore wind here. How is this going to impact your bill?". Maine state Sen. Chip Curry, a Democrat who sponsored L.D. Show Transcript AUGUSTA, Maine Gov. The bill would also require developers to meet high standards, Lawrence said, to minimize any impacts on wildlife, commercial fishermen and the environment. What studies exist about offshore wind as a climate change strategy? New . 21-year-old Saco man injured following fiery crash on I-295 in Brunswick, 21-year-old crashed car on I-295 Exit ramp 28 in Brunswick, Review: 'Joy Ride' has a surprising amount of heart, Biden approves major disaster declaration request for eight Maine counties. But Jack Parker, chairman and CEO of Reed & Reed, a contractor based in Woolwich, Maine, praised the governors veto. The nearshore region of the Gulf of Maine is rich lobster fishing grounds and is being considered for commercial offshore wind energy development leases. There was immediate pushback from the fishing industry, which led her to bar projects in state watersand factored into her 2022 campaignagainst former Gov. 1847, "An Act to Modify the Visual Impact Standards for Offshore Wind Port Development"" Status Summary. And it includes language to ensure that tribal representatives are involved in the process. The text of Lawrences bill is still being finalized and was not available on Tuesday. The Governors Energy Office has received a $2.16 million federal grant for the Initiative to develop a roadmap to advance offshore wind and evaluate its associated economic benefits, such as enhancing port facilities, growing Maine-based contractors and supply chains, and expanding workforce development and training. The top three states for clean-energy job growth were California, West Virginia and Texas. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. The Initiative aims to balance this industry development with our states maritime heritage and existing marine uses to ensure sustainable preservation of the natural resources in the Gulf of Maine. But he said the bill would provide the PUC with flexibility, including in determining whether a potential procurement contract would benefit ratepayers. Naveena Sadasivam Energy . Robert F. Bukaty / AP This Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 file photo shows the country's first floating wind turbine works off the coast of Castine, Maine. Cancel any time. Last House Action: None: Last Senate Action: 7/6/2023 - READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE. But to have a Democratic governor impeding the presidents agenda is something that we just didnt expect, said Francis Eanes, executive director of the Maine Labor Climate Council, a coalition of a dozen unions across the state. Your email address will be used to confirm your account. Summary of science on environmental effects of marine renewable energy development from around the world.https://tethys.pnnl.gov/publications/state-of-the-science-2020, Renewable energy and energy efficiency research U.S. Department of Energy'sOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Now, because of my Constitutional obligation to act on a bill within 10 days of its receipt, there is no further time to amend the bill. Gov. All Rights Reserved. Published: 10:41 AM EDT June 27, 2023. The State of Maine, through bipartisan support in the legislature, has established several laws to fight climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Offshore Wind. Gov. The roadmap consider topics such as renewable energy market projections; economic development strategies; supply chain analyses; and what research is needed to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to existing marine users, especially fishing, and to the environment. Supporters of the PLA language criticized Mills veto of the legislation. Invalid password or account does not exist. As such, we must be thoughtful in considering where any offshore wind projects could be located and work to minimize any impacts on current and historical uses. Mills actually sponsored the bill, LD 1847, as a way to set "visual impact standards" for a port where businesses would manufacture the turbines needed for offshore wind power projects. Choose wisely! What are the economic benefits to Maine of offshore wind? The Maine Legislature was supposed to adjourn last week. The Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap outlines strategies for Maine to benefit from offshore wind, while preserving Gulf of Maine communities,, The advisory board of the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium, which will advise the State on research priorities in support, The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the worlds oceans, Temperatures in Maine were among the highest ever recorded in 2020, Offshore wind would diversify Maines energy sources to reduce fossil fuel emissions, Maine people spend more than $4.4 billion annually to import fossil fuels, The Gulf of Maine has among the highest sustained wind speeds in the world, The Gulfs energy potential would help Maine meet its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050, An abundant supply of clean energy would help power Maines transition from fossil fuels, With new federal and state energy targets and advancing technology, offshore wind is estimated to become a multi-billion industry by the end of the decade, Job growth is emerging in skilled trades, marine sciences, manufacturing, engineering, surveying and shipbuilding, Maine has the record of research and innovation, the public-private partnerships, and the deep-water ports to grow this industry, Work together to minimize impacts on fishing and responsibly advance offshore wind, Grow a vibrant economy that respects and invests in Maines marine industries and communities, Protect and preserve Maine's ocean environment through rigorous research and scientific partnerships. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Vision Report, the power sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. It was the country's first floating wind turbine. July 7, 2021 Prohibition preserves State waters for recreation and fishing - where up to 75 percent of Maine's commercial lobster harvesting occurs - and cements into law Maine's priority of locating offshore wind projects in Federal waters in the Gulf of Maine. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The nearshore region of the Gulf of Maine is rich lobster fishing grounds and is being considered for commercial offshore wind energy development leases. Gov. The pro-wind bill, L.D. NEW - The Governors Energy Office released the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, a stakeholder-driven comprehensive plan that offers detailed strategies for Maine to realize economic, energy, and climate benefits from offshore wind, in conjunction with communities, fisheries, and wildlife of the Gulf of Maine. Conservationists and labor leaders tout expansion of offshore wind in Maine, and Gov. The legislation would ensure that any impacts of offshore wind are understood before allowing the industrialization of the fragile and productive Gulf of Maine ecosystem, putting at risk its wildlife, habitat, commercial and recreational fisheries, and a way of life that has sustained thousands of Maine families for more than a century, Patrice McCarron, executive director of the MLA, said. All Rights Reserved. The context: Mills, a Democrat, has been trying to position the state for success in the nascent offshore wind sector going back to 2020, when she unveiled plansto start the nations first research platform. AP. If the sides do not make a deal, Maines place in the industry could be at risk. Lobbyist Tim Walton, who represents Maine construction giant Cianbro, noted the suggested language says companies would have to make a demonstrated and measurable effort to hire Maine workers as part of a hierarchy, something he argued may not have teeth in practice. 1895 would set a target for Maine to reach 3,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2040. The bill states the program would: Janet Mills veto of a billaiming to jumpstart Maines offshore wind industry has pushed her and Democratic lawmakers to try to negotiate a compromise over thorny labor standards. New law creates more transparency on utilities' political spending, State's top gambling regulator reinstated after posting inappropriate tweets, After intense debate and lobbying, lawmakers approve tweaks to solar subsidies, Maine's 'housing first' program to launch with budget bill passage, Legislature passes $800M budget despite GOP opposition. There is incentive to reach a deal, with the senator saying holding it back for a year would be very problematic for Maines position. The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law also created grant programs for port revitalization that prioritize applicants who use strong labor standards. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. This Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 file photo shows the country's first floating wind turbine works off the coast of Castine, Maine. Labor advocates have argued nothing would exclude non-unionized companies from bidding for a PLA. With significant technical potential relative to its energy demand and the strongest winds of the East Coast off its coast, offshore wind in Maine could power the . A legislative committee on Wednesday approved a bill to boost offshore wind power. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Related Links: But first: Maine Gov. To receive updates on Maine Offshore Wind Initiative, pleasesign up for our mailing list. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is now soliciting feedback on where to site wind projects on millions of acres in the Gulf of Maine. "Prohibiting commercial wind development in LMA 1 protects Maine lobstermen's way of life and of making a living for their families and their communities, just as they have for generations .

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