BANGOR DAILY NEWS • April 8, 2025
The Maine Legislature reconstituted the Land Use Regulation Commission in 2011 under Republican Gov. Paul LePage. LURC had planning and zoning authority over Maine’s unorganized territories, as well as townships and plantations. It was replaced by the Land Use Planning Commission, which exists today. The policy aim at that time was to grant local control. LD 870 would change the makeup of the commission. LUPC would comprise 13 members instead of eight. The governor would be able to appoint five commissioners instead of just the one already granted by law. The Natural Resources Council and Maine Audubon testified in strong support of this measure. The Maine Forest Products Council and the County Commissioners Association opposed it.