BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 7, 2023
One of Maine’s most iconic brands — natural spring water bottling company Poland Spring, which has a 178-year heritage in Maine, is currently facing a number of bills that would severely restrict its business and the availability of its products. One proposal is essentially a de facto ban on bottled water in retail establishments, while another restricts Poland Spring from partnering with local water authorities. One bill, LD 854, would impose a water withdrawal tax only on Poland Spring, because of its size. Poland Spring, like all water bottlers, is highly regulated at the local, state and federal levels. All Maine water bottling companies account for less than 1 percent of the water withdrawn from Maine. LD 854 singles out a sustainable Maine business that, at its core, is a highly responsible water steward. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce strongly urges legislators to oppose LD 854 and all other bills that would negatively impact Poland Spring. ~ Julia Munsey, Maine State Chamber of Commerce