On February 14, 2019, Governor Mills issued an Executive Order lifting a moratorium on new wind energy permits. Former Governor Paul LePage issued the moratorium in January 2018 and created a Maine Wind Energy Advisory Commission to study the economic impact of wind turbines on tourism and local communities.

Controversy surrounded the moratorium immediately and renewable energy groups unsuccessfully sued to overturn it. Meanwhile the Wind Energy Advisory Commission floundered without any clear agenda, budget, or goal for most of 2018. The Commission ultimately issued a Report in the beginning of this year that recommended limited changes to Maine’s wind energy goals and permitting process, while primarily recommending the state undertake additional studies to explore the impact of wind power in more detail.

Governor Mills’ Order states that it will allow a full vetting of all proposed wind projects, both onshore and offshore.