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Opportunity for Comment
Notice of Public Hearing: New England Clean Energy Connect Project License Suspension Proceeding
Comment deadline: October 19, 2021
On October 19, 2021, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is holding a public hearing to receive evidence on whether the license issued by the Department to Central Maine Power Company (CMP) and NECEC Transmission, LLC (NECEC, LLC), authorizing construction of the New England Clean Energy Connect project (the NECEC Project), should be suspended in light of the recent Superior Court decision, dated August 10, 2021, in Black v. Cutko, No. BCD-CV-2020-29. On August 12, 2021, the Commissioner determined that the Superior Court's decision represents a change in circumstance that may warrant suspension of the license for the NECEC Project. That Superior Court decision has since been appealed to the Maine Law Court. The Commissioner may suspend a license if there has been a change in condition or circumstance that requires suspension of a license. The Department will receive evidence on whether, because of the Superior Courts decision, suspension of the license for the NECEC Project is required.
The hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. It will be conducted remotely, via the Zoom platform, due to Covid-19 public health concerns. The daytime session of the hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. This session will be devoted to evidence from parties granted intervenor status and questioning of the parties witnesses. Interested members of the public will be able to watch this session. The evening session of the hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. This session will be devoted to receiving evidence from members of the public. Members of the public wishing to testify are asked to register to speak by contacting Ruth Ann Burke at Ruth.A.Burke@maine.gov by 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2021. Individuals who do not register to speak in advance will be allowed to testify, time permitting.
Information on how to participate in or to watch the hearing via the Zoom platform will be made available on the Departments webpage
The hearing may be continued after October 19 for reasonable cause and reconvened by the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer would notify the parties, interested persons, and the public of the time and place of a reconvened hearing in a manner appropriate to ensure that reasonable notice is provided.
Public Notice Suspension Proceeding
Revised meeting agenda 10-19-2021