NECEC – Update Regarding Board Appeals

The Natural Resources Council of Maine, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and a consolidated group of appellants referred to as the West Forks Group filed with the Board of Environmental Protection (Board) separate appeals of the May 11, 2020, Order of the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (Commissioner). That Commissioner order conditionally approved the application of Central Maine Power Company (CMP) to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect project (NECEC Order). Additionally, the Natural Resources Council of Maine filed with the Board an appeal of the December 4, 2020, Order of the Commissioner conditionally approving the application of CMP and NECEC Transmission LLC to partially transfer to NECEC Transmission LLC the May 11, 2020, NECEC Order (Transfer Order). The Board will consolidate and process together the appeals of both the NECEC Order and the Transfer Order.

The Board has tentatively scheduled its consideration of the consolidated appeals during meetings to be held at the University of Maine in Farmington on May 17 and 18, 2022. Additional information regarding the appeal procedure and an appeal schedule is available on the Board’s website at: https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/featured.html.

Questions regarding the Board appeals may be directed to Board Executive Analyst, William F. Hinkel at Bill.Hinkel or call (207) 314-1458.