BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 2, 2021
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Monday rejected a claim by four lawmakers that tree-cutting in a controversial hydropower corridor under construction by a Central Maine Power Co. affiliate violated permit requirements. DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim wrote lawmakers that there is no evidence at this time that the cutting around the New England Clean Energy Connect project violates or warrants a suspension of the department’s license. She said the department will continue to monitor corridor construction activities. The corridor project is one of the largest and most controversial projects in the state’s history, with many environmentalists and residents questioning its value to the state.