An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding Nuclear Power Generating Facilities
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §4301, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §94 and affected by §§104 and 105, is further amended to read:
1. Investment in nuclear power plants. The Legislature finds that construction of a nuclear power plant is a major financial investment, which will have consequences for consumers for years to come. In the recent past, investments in nuclear power plants have caused severe financial strain on consumers.
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §4302, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §95 and affected by §§104 and 105, is further amended to read:
1. Question submitted to voters. Prior to the construction of any a nuclear power plant with capacity greater than 500 megawatts within the State, the question of approving that construction must be submitted to the voters of the State in the manner prescribed by law for holding a statewide election. This question must be submitted to the legal voters of the State at the next following statewide election. The municipal officers and plantation assessors of this State shall notify the inhabitants of their respective cities, towns and plantations to meet, in the manner prescribed by law for holding a statewide election, to vote on the acceptance or rejection of construction by voting on the following question:
"Do you approve construction of the nuclear power plant proposed for (insert locations)?"
summary
This bill creates a threshold capacity of 500 megawatts for a nuclear power plant for which a referendum is required as part of the siting process.