MAINE PUBLIC • April 16, 2021
Maine lawmakers have taken a step toward barring companies controlled by foreign governments from spending money to influence ballot measures. The 10-2 vote by the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee could signal a big blow to Hydro-Quebec, the Canadian energy company that has spent lavishly trying to convince Maine voters to approve a controversial transmission project by Central Maine Power. The amended bill would bar any company with greater than 10 percent ownership by a foreign government from electioneering or contributing to another domestic political group. Hydro-Quebec is wholly owned by the provincial government of Quebec. If passed by the full Legislature, the measure would close a loophole in state law that has allowed the company to spend more than $10 million on advertising so far.