Today’s short video (just over 5 minutes) is about Home Rule and Local Ordinances. For those who prefer written information instead of video, read on. (Though you’ll have to watch the video if you want to know how many children I have.)
Home Rule
Home Rule is written into the Maine Constitution. Municipalities use ordinances to establish local laws and regulations that govern municipal operations, manage land use, protect public health and safety, and enhance the quality of life.
As a direct result of the proposed path of the LS Power Aroostook Renewable Gateway Transmission Line, over a dozen municipalities that were in the path of that new transmission line put together ordinances directing where and how transmission lines can be built within the municipal boundaries. I’ve read most (not all) of the ordinances, and I’m 99.9% certain that every one of the ordinances, passed by voter approval in each town, requires high voltage transmission lines to be built underground.
During our conversation with National Grid, it was obvious that they were not aware of Albion’s ordinance requiring underground transmission lines. Based on that, I’m guessing that none of the other bidders for the ISO-New England RFP or for the Maine PUC RFP are aware of these ordinances. Where does that leave us?
Municipalities cannot enact ordinances that conflict with Maine law. However, the Maine PUC is granted the ability to exempt a utility from local ordinances in title 30-A MRSA §4352, sub-§4. A government official or government employee who works in Augusta and lives far from the towns that are threatened by industrial scale development has the authority to exempt developers from the exact laws that make every town in Maine special.
Will the PUC use their authority to exempt the winning bidders for the two RFPs? I don’t know. I reached out to a contact at the PUC and asked if they have ever used that authority and if so, under what circumstances. I also asked under what conditions they might consider using this authority. I have not yet received a response.
Power Purchase Agreements and Renewable Energy Credits
Maine has statutory goals to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. The Maine PUC’s RFP is for both renewable generation and for transmission of the generation to the grid. The PUC is coordinating with four other states: Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut on the project. The expectation is that one or more of those states will share in the cost of building the projects in return for purchasing the power. In addition to selling power generated in Maine to other states, the Renewable Energy Credits may also be sold. If Maine’s Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are sold to other states, does the renewable energy generated in Maine count toward Maine’s renewable energy goals?
Volunteer Work
We touched on this in the video, so I’ll include it here. I think that most readers are aware, but it is important to note that all the work done by me and the incredible team I get to work with is strictly voluntary. There have been many times that we’re the only people in the Energy Utilities and Technology Committee room who aren’t paid to be there. Most of us have families, paid work, and other responsibilities and we try to stay on top of all this as well. I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far.
And seriously, if you want to know how many children I have, you have to watch the video ;)
