Approved: 06/11/23
LD 1881 LR 77(02)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Current biennium revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
The bill establishes a solar energy compensation program which includes compensation fees for the impact of solar
energy projects developed on high-value agricultural land, which must be defined through rulemaking. This fee will
be determined by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in consultation with the Department of
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) and will be credited to the Maine Working Farmland Access and
Protection Fund within ACF. The bill also establishes a compensation fee program for renewable energy development
that impacts wildlife and fisheries habitats and directs that revenues from this fee be credited to existing accounts
within the Maine Environmental Protection Fund within the DEP. As the bill directs the DEP to coordinate with the
ACF to calculate the compensation fees and define the lands impacted before any revenue can be generated, no
estimate is made at this time, but it is anticipated to generate significant Other Special Revenue Funds revenue for
both the ACF and the DEP. Additional allocations will be required to authorize expenditure of any revenue collected.
131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
An Act Regarding Compensation Fees and Related Conservation Efforts to Protect Soils and Wildlife
and Fisheries Habitat from Solar and Wind Energy Development and High-impact Electric
Transmission Lines Under the Site Location of Development Laws
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
LR0077(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1