Massachusetts’ high environmental official applauded a choice by Maine conservationists to let work resume on a transmission line that might deliver Canadian hydroelectric energy to the Bay State.
Opponents to the mission had till Friday to attraction a 9-0 jury vote from final month that allowed building on the mission to restart after a trial in a Maine courtroom. But the opposition teams made clear final week that they’d let the ruling stand.
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper stated the Healey administration “looks forward to construction restarting on the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project.”
“The completion of this project will provide new, reliable, and affordable clean power not only to Massachusetts residents and businesses but the broader New England region,” Tepper stated in an announcement to the Herald.
The mission’s success was key to a 2016 Massachusetts local weather plan shepherded by former Gov. Charlie Baker that required the Bay State to acquire roughly 1,200 megawatts of hydroelectric energy.
Initially estimated at $950 million, the mission can be paid for by Massachusetts rate-payers.
But it bumped into delays after conservation teams in Maine tried to dam the 145-mile transmission line, which cuts via woods within the Pine Tree state. Most of the transmission line follows established corridors, however 53 miles of the route wanted to be lower via undeveloped space.
Maine voters authorised a 2021 poll query that banned building on the road after Avangrid had already dumped $450 million into it. Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of Avangrid, sued, arguing the state couldn’t bar building after the developer had put a lot work into the transmission line.
The jury sided with Central Maine Power, and opponents had till Friday to attraction.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine, one of many major opponents of the transmission line, stated final week {that a} “jury of nine Mainers has spoken.”
“While we don’t agree with the decision we respect the process and have decided not to pursue an appeal,” the group stated in an announcement. “The transition to a clean energy future won’t work if we repeat the mistakes of the past which is why we’ll continue to oppose this proposal to redirect existing energy to maximize profit for Hydro-Quebec and CMP.”
Herald wire providers contributed to this report.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”