LD 297

LD 297 allows toxic out-of-state waste, in particular bulky construction debris, to be disposed of in Maine’s only state-run landfill, Juniper Ridge, negatively impacting the health and environment of the communities surrounding the landfill.

In 2022, the Maine Legislature passed a policy to ban the disposal of out-of-state waste in Juniper Ridge Landfill due to concerns around public health and safety, air and water pollution, and environmental justice. Juniper Ridge is Maine’s only state-run landfill and is located in close proximity to the Penobscot Nation. This year, despite objections from public health advocates, Penobscot Nation members, and environmental organizations, the legislature passed a bill to allow Casella Waste Systems two more years to continue bringing toxic out-of-state waste into Maine.

This bill was highly contentious, with many in the legislature, including environmental champions Rep. Lori Gramlich and Sen. Rick Bennett, pushing back against the notion that out-of-state waste was necessary for Casella to operate the landfill. Of particular concern is the impact on the communities that surround the landfill, including the Penobscot Nation. These communities are directly impacted by odor, air quality issues, and toxic chemicals, including PFAS, that enter the landfill from out-of-state waste. 

While, unfortunately, the bill passed by relatively slim margins, particularly in the Senate, several legislators, including Rep Dan Ankeles and Rep. Amy Roeder, gave powerful floor speeches in opposition. This debate highlighted the need to continue educating lawmakers on the effects this landfill has on neighboring communities and the need to reform management of Juniper Ridge, and we hope the debate will continue next session.