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MaineLD 36132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Clarify Processes of the Board of Environmental Protection

Sponsored By: Denise Tepler (Democratic)

Became Law

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARDENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARD - PROCEDURES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster decisions and stricter appeal rules

If a compliance order is sent to you, you must comply right away. You have 10 working days from receipt to ask the Board for a hearing. The hearing is an appeal with sworn witnesses. The commissioner shows the basis first, then you must prove by a preponderance that the order should change or end. The Board must hold a hearing and decide within 90 days, and publish a written, signed decision within 2 working days after the vote. You can appeal the Board’s decision to Superior Court under Title 5.

Faster, clearer environmental permit process

The law sets a 15 working day clock. If no mailed notice is sent, your application is accepted as complete on day 15. The commissioner can refuse to accept an application if you knowingly started work without a permit or broke permit rules in the past 5 years. If your application was not accepted, you must attend a presubmission meeting before you resubmit. The commissioner must tell the Board about accepted applications, except permit-by-rule, waste transporters, and occupational licenses. Applicants must give public notice and the public can comment under Board rules, with the same exceptions. Any denial must be sent by certified mail with return receipt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 52

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/6/2025Senate

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

    4/30/2025House

  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-25).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/29/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-25) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-25).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    4/24/2025Senate

  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. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on January 6, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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