MAINE PUBLIC • March 15, 2021
Central Maine Power's controversial transmission project is again the target of another referendum that could scuttle the project, and the issue of foreign influence in the campaign has also surfaced once again. A new slate of bills in the Maine Legislature could sideline Hydro-Quebec, a major financial beneficiary of the power line that's already spent an estimated $10 million promoting its purported benefits to Maine residents. Some lawmakers say a company whose sole shareholder is the government of Quebec has no business attempting to influence the ballot initiative. But Hydro-Quebec and other project supporters say silencing the company is unfair and potentially unconstitutional.