AUGUSTA, Maine — With climate change predictions outlining an uncertain future for Maine, state lawmakers are discussing a bill that aims to create tighter controls over in-state water extractions.
LD 1111, co-sponsored by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, would cap the length of contracts companies like Poland Spring could agree to for large-scale water extractions.
"If something goes wrong, like climate risk or a drought, they'll be able to pause and say, 'Hey, wait: Does this work for our community?'" O'Neil said, adding that as of now contracts can last for decades. "We're seeing this trend of contracts going from short contracts like five years to really long ones."
Back in a work session with the Legislature's Energy Utilities and Technology committee, taking into account how water extraction is monitored in the state such as the Natural Resources Protection Act, a point brought up by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Concerns first stem from the nine communities where Poland Spring currently extracts water from, according to its website, four of which are shared with public water sources according to a DEP representative at the session.
Those in support of the bill say the restrictions would further protect municipalities in terms of re-negotiating contracts in the future.
"This isn't limiting potential customers, but for our water districts, what it's doing is allowing for more accountability," Nickie Sekera said, co-founder of Community Water Justice, said.
"When you're locking up what is considered excess water supply for exports, how as a community supposed to grow based on water needs if you're locked it up for generations?" Sekera added.
The committee decided to schedule a future work session for the bill in the next upcoming weeks.
A statement received by NEWS CENTER Maine from Poland Spring on Wednesday's work session states:
"We appreciate the time and effort the committee continues to put into this issue, Poland Spring remains opposed to LD 1111. Limiting contract terms eliminates benefits to ratepayers and makes it impractical for Poland Spring to plan operations and invest in the future. We will continue to engage in the legislative process in good faith and to be a resource to the EUT committee on this complex matter."