Dear
Attend LURC Public Hearing, February 16 |
A year ago, hundreds of Maine citizens committed to the protection of Maine's natural treasures came to Augusta in January and again on Valentine's day to show the new LePage Administration that their goals to dismantle vital protective regulations would not fly in this state.
You showed up and the result was astounding - the litany of bad anti-conservation bills were defeated and attempts to abolish the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) failed.
This year the LePage administration has proposed a "reform package" that effectively transforms LURC into a tool for county and corporate interests and away from its mission of development oversight on behalf of all of Maine people.
There are many alarming provisions in this legislation (LD 1798: "An Act To Reform Land Use Planning on the Unorganized Territory"), but these are the three most extreme:
- Counties have the option to opt out of LURC jurisdiction if they meet certain criteria.
- Six of nine LURC commissioners will be county commissioners or their appointees.
- Big projects will go to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for permitting and small projects to the counties.
Take a stand with us in Augusta on February 16, at 1:00 p.m. at the hearing for LD 1798.
Join Maine Woods advocates from around the state to prevent extreme changes to Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission. These proposed changes will prevent LURC's ability to protect the invaluable un-fragmented northern forests for all of the people of Maine.
Here are the details:
What: Public Hearing on Legislation to Reform LURC (LD 1798).
Who: You, fellow Sierrans and the interested public.
When: Thursday, February 16, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Cross Building Room 206, Augusta (map).
If you need additional information about the bill or any supporting materials, please contact Karen Woodsum, karen.woodsum@sierraclub.org or 207-446-5354.
Thank you for all your support to protect Maine's natural treasures.
Sincerely,
Becky Bartovics
Co-Chair, Executive Committee
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