Maine 2021 Referendums: Power Line Construction and Food Sovereignty
On November 2, 2021, voters in Maine headed to the polls to decide on two distinct referendum questions. These measures represented different approaches to governance: one was a citizen-initiated proposal aimed at infrastructure regulation, and the other was a proposed amendment to the Maine Constitution submitted by the state Legislature.
Key Facts
- Date of Vote: November 2, 2021.
- Power Line Referendum: Approved by approximately 59% to 41%.
- Food Sovereignty Amendment: Approved by a 60% to 40% margin.
- NECEC Outcome: Despite the vote, legal actions at state and federal levels allowed construction to resume.
- Constitutional Change: The food sovereignty measure established a natural right to produce and consume chosen foods.
The New England Clean Energy Connect Controversy
One of the most contentious issues on the ballot concerned the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a power line project managed by Hydro Québec designed to transmit electricity between Quebec and Massachusetts.
The citizen-initiated proposal sought to halt the project by retroactively revoking its approval. Specifically, it aimed to ban such construction within the upper Kennebec River region. Furthermore, the proposal intended to shift oversight of future power line projects to the Maine Legislature, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for any construction occurring on public land.
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With 92% of precincts reporting, the referendum passed with roughly 59% of the vote. However, the goal of blocking the NECEC project was not realized, as subsequent state and federal legal proceedings permitted construction to continue.
The Food Sovereignty Amendment
Alongside the infrastructure debate, Maine voters considered a constitutional amendment focused on food sovereignty—the right of people to define their own food and agriculture systems.
This amendment sought to formally declare that individuals possess a "natural, inherent, and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce, and consume the food of their own choosing." The stated purpose of this right is to ensure individuals can provide for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health, and general well-being.
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The amendment was approved by voters with a 60% to 40% margin, integrating these protections directly into the Maine Constitution.
Summary of 2021 Referendum Results
| Proposal | Type | Result | Approximate Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits on Power Line Construction | Citizen-Initiated | Approved | 59% Yes / 41% No |
| Food Sovereignty Amendment | Legislative Amendment | Approved | 60% Yes / 40% No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the goal of the power line referendum?
The proposal aimed to stop the construction of Hydro Québec's New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) by revoking its approval and banning similar construction in the upper Kennebec River region.
Did the power line referendum successfully stop the NECEC project?
No. Although the referendum was approved by voters, state and federal legal actions ultimately allowed the construction of the power line to resume.
What does the Food Sovereignty amendment guarantee?
It declares that individuals have a natural and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce, and consume food of their choosing for their own health and sustenance.
How did the power line proposal affect future construction on public land?
The proposal sought to require that the Maine Legislature approve the construction of other power lines, specifically requiring a two-thirds vote if the construction was to take place on public land.
Who submitted the Food Sovereignty amendment for ratification?
The Food Sovereignty amendment was submitted for ratification by the Maine Legislature.