PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Republican Gov. Paul LePage is asking a judge to toss a lawsuit challenging his executive order to halt wind turbine permits in western and coastal regions of rural Maine.
Advocacy groups challenged the constitutionality of LePage’s January order, claiming it’s causing uncertainty in the wind industry. A Cumberland County judge heard arguments Friday.
LePage says his order hasn’t blocked wind projects. And his lawyer conceded that the executive order isn’t being heeded by the governor’s own administration.
Nonetheless, the judge said he can’t ignore the executive order’s plain language. The judge could review whether anyone has been harmed.
At least one wind project is in the works. Maine plans to allow a public hearing on a small wind turbine proposal in western Maine. No date is set yet.
