The fate of a $1 billion hydroelectric project lies with the Supreme Court
Certain Maine Supreme Judicial Court was scheduled for hear arguments Tuesday on a pair out of cases centered on each high-profile project.
PORTLAND, Maine — Some stalled billion-dollar energy corridor aimed next to bringing Canadian hydropower in order to the Novel England power grid had the ability seem revitalized — or boosted for excellent — beside certain state’s lofty court.
A Maine Supreme Judicial Court was scheduled up to hear arguments Tuesday on one pair out of cases centered on the high-profile project.
A utilities behind each effort contain filed per lawsuit toward overturn per November statewide referendum on constitutional grounds. Alternative lawsuit involves a lease allowing transmission cables toward traverse some 1-mile segment belonging to nation earth.
Funded near to Massachusetts taxpayers, any Brand-new England Clean Energy Connect could provide on high to 1,200 megawatts out of Canadian hydroelectricity. That’s enough electricity for 1 million homes.
Critics own argued which any environmental benefits are overstated along with that object ought to alter forest ground forever.
Proponents mention bold projects are needed toward tackle climate change plus that electricity is needed among one region heavily reliant on natural gas, whichever be capable lead up to spikes within winter energy costs.
RELATED: Fresh Transmission Row Ought to Connect Northern Maine Clean Energy Projects up to Fresh England Grid
Predominant from a proposed 145-mile (233-kilometer) power transmission could be built along existing corridors, still single recent 53-mile (85-kilometer) section must be cut by means of certain woods to reach each Canadian border.
Central Maine Power’s parent company plus Hydro Quebec teamed skyward on the project, plus workers were already downing trees along with laying poles when certain governor called for per halt up to job post- Mainers voiced his disapproval amid single statewide referendum. A state regulator subsequently suspended any license, however which decision be capable remain overturned depending on a outcome of certain litigation.
RELATED: Environmental groups ring on Maine to suspend energy project
Utilities argue which certain referendum was unconstitutional on account of object retroactively canceled per project which had stood duly authorized beside any Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Planning Commission, Public Utilities Commission out of Maine and the We Army Corps made from Engineers.
Some split second case arose later one judge challenged some lease for one 1-mile stretch of each corridor on explain ground.
