THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES WILL STIFLE MAINE VOICES IF LD 2065 PASSES
LD 2065 is a toxic stew of legislation. Right now, 5 people can request a hearing for aquaculture leases. The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) wants that number to go to 25. That 5x increase has little explanation. Originally, DMR said it was part of the Administrative Procedures Act – but when challenged DMR admitted it wasn’t part of the act at all!
Right now, leases are passed at a rate of 95% (new calculations to include 2023 are underway). The one place people can have a voice is at a lease hearing or scoping.
DMR is also promoting removing the number of hearing notices in local newspapers from 2 to 1. The rationale given was that it is too difficult to figure out the publishing schedule. What this means is for small rural fishing communities that rely heavily on their weekly newspapers – less information will be coming your way if this bill passes.
LD 2065 also looks to convert experimental leases to standard 20-year leases without a hearing unless 25 people speak up.
It’s true some of the smaller leases have been held up too long – but the reason is lack of staff. A question today: If you don’t have the staff to oversee the hearing process, to oversee the regulation, and oversee the impact to the environment – Why is Maine rushing headfirst into something that could have impacts for generations to come?
Literature reviews show that without planning there could be serious impacts. You can read this study here.
We urge you to attend and speak at the hearing on LD 2065. If you can be there in person, the hearing is at 1:00 on Thursday, February 1st in the Marine Resources Committee room.
If you want to testify remotely - Here’s how you can:
Go to this link: https://legislature.maine.gov
Scroll to the bottom of the page where it indicates, "testimony submission" and click that button.
Select public hearing.
Scroll down on that same page and select committee "Marine Resources”. Underneath that, chose the date - Feb. 1
That opens the page further and you choose the bill you would like to testify on - LD 2065
Check "I would like to testify electronically.” You are not required to submit testimony, but it is advised.
You then must choose - for /against/neither for nor against.
Make your choice. Protect Maine is opposing LD 2065.
Add your testimony and all your personal information, most importantly, the email so they can send you a Zoom link to join. You will not get the link until the day of the hearing.
Hope to see you on Feb. 1 at 1:00 for the hearing.