MaineMaine commission studies coastal stormwater pollution and recommends solutions
Maine law establishes a 13-member commission to study coastal stormwater pollution and report findings and possible legislation by December 1, 2026.
What it does
A 13-member commission studies stormwater pollution affecting Maine’s coastal waters, habitats, and species. It reviews risks, gaps in current rules, and possible ways to address pollution.
By December 1, 2026, the commission reports its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation. The committee may submit a related bill to the 2027 Legislature.
The Legislative Council provides staff outside legislative sessions. The commission may seek contributions for study costs, but the Council must approve outside funding.
Argument forThe study may help Maine identify pollution risks and gaps in current rules, which could guide future steps to protect public health and coastal waters.
Argument againstBecause Legislative Council staff cannot help during legislative sessions and outside funds need approval, the commission may have fewer resources at key times.
More detail
The commission reviews research and data on stormwater pollution, studies its effects, and recommends ways to address it. The 13-member commission includes legislators from both major parties, representatives of environmental, engineering, municipal, and development interests, and four state agency commissioners or their designees. The study covers pollution affecting the State’s waters, habitats, and species along the coast. The commission examines pollution not effectively managed by state and federal rules, including chloride pollution and pollution linked to development, as well as barriers such as staffing and budget. Appointments are due within 30 days after the law takes effect. The chairs must call the first meeting within 45 days after all members are appointed.
The commission submits its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The report goes to the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The committee may submit a related bill to the 133rd Legislature in 2027. The report is due no later than December 1, 2026.
The Legislative Council provides needed staff support, and the commission may seek contributions for study costs. These provisions apply to the commission’s study. Legislative Council staff support is not authorized while the Legislature is in regular or special session. The Legislative Council must approve outside funding under its policies.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 16Signed by Governor Janet MillsBecame Law
- Apr 14FINALLY PASSED, in concurrence.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Apr 14Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14FINALLY PASSED.Passed 1st Chamber
- Apr 14ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14The House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-715) thereto.Minor
- Apr 14Sent down for concurrence.
- Apr 14PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-715) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE.Minor
- Apr 14Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-715) thereto ADOPTED in NON-CONCURRENCE.Minor
- Apr 14On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-715) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) READ and ADOPTED
- Apr 14On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) was ADOPTED.Minor
- Apr 14On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) in concurrence.Minor
- Apr 14On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland taken from the Special Study Table
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- May 14On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland placed on the SPECIAL STUDY TABLE pending FINAL PASSAGE In NON-CONCURRENCE
- May 13Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- May 13FAILED FINAL PASSAGE.Major
- May 13This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.
- May 7Ordered sent down forthwith.
- May 7Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-98), in concurrence.Minor
- May 7Committee Amendment "A" (H-98) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Minor
- May 7READ ONCE.Minor
- May 7Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.
- May 6Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- May 6The Resolve was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-98).Minor
- May 6Under suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.
- May 6CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAY
- May 2Reported Out - OTP-AM
- Apr 23Voted - OTP-AM
- Apr 23Work Session Held
- Apr 16Work Session Reconsidered - TABLED
- Mar 21Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Mar 19Voted - Divided Report
- Mar 19Work Session Held
- Feb 20The Resolve was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.Minor
- Feb 20Received by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.Introduced
Environment & EnergyGovernment & Ethics