PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 4, 2020
On Wednesday, Avangrid announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted approval for the New England Energy Connect Corridor. Issuance of a Presidential Permit is the only significant regulatory permit left to obtain. Avangrid said its goal is to begin construction by the end of the year. There has been ongoing opposition from citizens, towns and environmental groups concerned about the negative impact the project could have on the environment. Last month, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Sierra Club Maine filed a lawsuit claiming the Army Corps failed to rigorously assess the transmission corridor project’s environmental impact. And an opposition group is collecting signatures on a petition to put a referendum on the ballot in November 2021.