PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 18, 2025
Outdated federal permitting laws are slowing projects that could help lower energy prices, strengthen our grid and create new jobs. The process for building essential infrastructure has become unpredictable, overly litigious and far too slow. Maine has felt the consequences more than most. Access to affordable energy, including ever-cleaner natural gas, is often blocked not because of feasibility or environmental concerns, but by outdated and weaponized federal permitting. One example is the lack of certainty under the Clean Water Act, which has been used by activist groups to block pipelines based on political goals unrelated to water quality. By embracing sensible federal reform, we can unlock our state’s full potential, strengthen our grid and create jobs that benefit communities. ~ John Nutting, Leeds, served in the Maine House of Representatives (1986-92) and Maine State Senate (1996-2002, 2004-2010)