CMP Transmission Project's Environmental Permit In Danger Of Suspension After Judge Reverses Leases

MAINE PUBLIC • August 13, 2021

Maine’s top environmental regulator is initiating a 14-day process that could lead to the suspension of Central Maine Power Co.‘s environmental permit for its billion-dollar transmission corridor in western Maine. In a letter to CMP, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim says a judge’s decision this week to reverse a lease for state lands that CMP needs for its preferred route puts the permit in jeopardy. Loyzim says a suspension could go into effect unless one of three things happens: if the judge’ decision is reversed on appeal to the state’s highest court, if CMP secures a new lease for the state lands or if a different route is proposed that avoids the state lands and CMP is able to win a new DEP permit. She is giving CMP two weeks to respond.