MAINE PUBLIC • April 18, 2023
A trial that could determine the future of a controversial billion-dollar transmission project in western Maine resumed Tuesday, when the jury heard from the defense. The case involves a power line that was being developed by Central Maine Power Co. and its partners before Maine citizens voted it down at referendum in November 2021. CMP's parent company, Avangrid, sued the state, claiming the referendum does not apply because it had made sufficient progress on the corridor before the referendum question was certified by the secretary of state. This progress, they say, established so-called vested rights. Closing arguments are scheduled for Wednesday, and then the case will go to the jury.