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MaineLD 1207132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

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)

Signed by Governor

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPTENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPT - PROCEDURES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Solar projects must stay 100 feet from streams

The law requires a 100-foot buffer for ground-mounted solar near rivers, streams, and brooks. Developers cannot build facilities within this zone. Covered projects use ground-mounted solar panels, including generating and associated facilities. Vegetation removal for shade management is allowed within 100 feet. Road or utility line crossings are also allowed in the buffer. The rule protects waterways and guides solar siting.

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. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 106

    5/23/2025

  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

  • Amendment C-A (S-65), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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