"CMP Can Begin Construction On New Segment Of Corridor, Court Rules"

"A federal judge declined the injunction that would ban the construction of a part of the NECEC corridor on Thursday"

"MAINE, USA — New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) can begin construction on the one segment of the power transmission line that doesn't run along the existing Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor. This comes after a federal judge lifted an injunction blocking construction on that segment Thursday.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine, along with Sierra Club and Appalachian Mountain Club sued to stop construction from the northern end of CMP's existing corridor at The Forks to the Canadian border claiming the US Army Corps of Engineers didn't perform a complete review on the environmental impact before issuing permits for construction.

A lower court judge ruled against an injunction, so the environmental groups appealed to a higher court. The first circuit court of appeals issued a temporary injunction while they reviewed the case, but Thursday, vacated the injunction, meaning construction can begin.

The transmission line will carry hydroelectric power from Quebec through Maine to the New England power grid in Massachusetts. Construction along the existing corridor, from The Forks to Lewiston, is already underway."

Erin Keller reports for NEWS CENTER Maine May 13, 2021.

Source: News Center Maine, 05/14/2021