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MaineLD 1207132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Amend the Site Location of Development Laws to Require a 100-foot Buffer Between Solar Energy Developments and Rivers, Streams and Brooks

Sponsored By: Russell J. Black (Republican)

Became Law

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPTENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPT - PROCEDURES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

100-foot buffer for solar near streams

The law bars ground-mounted solar projects from being built within 100 feet of any river, stream, or brook. The rule covers the panels and all related facilities. Vegetation removal needed for shade management is allowed within the buffer. Roads and utility lines may cross the buffer. It applies to projects that use ground-mounted solar panels to make electricity.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bruce Bickford

    Republican • Senate

  • Caldwell Jackson

    Republican • House

  • Chad Perkins

    Republican • House

  • Dean Cray

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey L. Timberlake

    Republican • Senate

  • Mark Babin

    Republican • House

  • Mark Cooper

    Republican • House

  • Randall Hall

    Republican • House

  • Timothy Guerrette

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 106

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/21/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/20/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-65).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/14/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-65) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-65).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/13/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

  8. Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

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