Project would bring clean Canadian Hydropower to the New England electric grid. Photo: Shutterstock
February 1, 2019 (PORTLAND, ME) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) filed a brief with the Maine Public Utilities Commission today calling for a host of environmental and consumer protections as the commission considers approval of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project. Central Maine Power (CMP) is proposing a 145-mile transmission line through Maine to connect Canadian hydropower to the New England electric grid.
“Clean Energy Connect has the potential to significantly reduce New England’s climate-damaging emissions,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President and Director of CLF Maine. “But any approval of the project must depend on CMP providing greater economic benefits for Maine families and businesses, better safeguards for our environment, and a clear path to boost local clean energy here at home.”
In the filing, CLF is calling for a number of concessions from CMP. These include improvements to Maine’s power grid so that it can better deliver local renewable energy, funding to help Mainers transition to clean electric vehicles and energy efficient heat pumps, community development funds, critical land conservation protections, and a commitment to increased broadband access for the communities affected by NECEC.
You can read CLF’s filing with the Public Utilities Commission here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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