Maine House Bill LD670

Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 5/9/23
• Enrolled: 5/25/23
• Passed: 6/6/23

Caption

An Act to Protect Birds in the Construction, Renovation and Maintenance of Public Buildings

Impact

The implementation of LD670 will influence state laws by introducing regulations that necessitate the incorporation of bird-safe designs in public construction. With the requirement for the Bureau of General Services to produce guidelines that cover architectural and landscape design threats to birds, the bill aims to enhance biodiversity protection efforts. Notably, the guidance will not apply to heritage sites listed on the National Register, reflecting a balance between conservation and preservation of historical sites.

Summary

LD670, titled 'An Act to Protect Birds in the Construction, Renovation and Maintenance of Public Buildings', seeks to address the significant concern of bird collisions with public infrastructure. The bill mandates the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to develop guidance aimed at integrating bird collision risk management into public improvements. This will apply specifically to public buildings undergoing substantial renovations, where over 50% of the facade is altered, thus making these structures safer for avian populations.

Sentiment

General sentiment around LD670 appears to be supportive among conservationists and environmental groups, emphasizing the importance of reducing bird fatalities associated with urban development. The language in discussions suggests a recognition of the need for protective measures as urban areas expand. However, there may also be concerns from the construction sector regarding the potential costs and design challenges associated with implementing these bird-safe measures.

Contention

While LD670 addresses vital environmental considerations, there may be contentions regarding its practical enforcement. Stakeholders could debate the sufficiency of the guidance and the potential burden it places on public building projects, particularly in terms of cost and additional regulations. Furthermore, the timeline for the development and implementation of these guidelines raises questions about the urgency of addressing bird fatalities in conjunction with ongoing public development needs.