MAINE PUBLIC • June 15, 2021
The Maine Legislature is on the verge of enacting a bill that would bar companies owned by foreign governments from spending money on ballot campaigns. The bill was inspired by the considerable amount of money that Hydro-Quebec has put into the upcoming referendum over Central Maine Power's controversial transmission line project, but its immediate effects could be diminished because of a possible delay in implementation. The proposal aims to close a loophole in Maine election law that has allowed Hydro-Quebec to spend $10 million trying to advance what the company has called its largest sales contract to date, supplying the power for CMP's New England Clean Energy Connect.