Whereas, the Legislature has determined that the restructuring of the electric industry is of critical importance to the citizens of the State; and

Whereas, the deadlines established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3204 are of vital importance to establishing effective competition and accomplishing the goals of that law; and

Whereas, the divestiture required in Title 35-A, section 3204, creates unique problems that could not have been foreseen when the restructuring law was enacted and subsequently amended; and

Whereas, compliance with the deadlines set forth in Title 35-A, section 3204 may be impaired by the unique problems of application of other laws and ordinances; and

Whereas, the public's interests are adequately protected by the oversight vested in the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Title 35-A and other laws; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3204, sub-§9 is enacted to read:

9.__Other regulatory approvals; limitation.__A transfer of interests or rights in real property necessary to consummate a divestiture pursuant to this section that results in a division of ownership of any lot or parcel of real property:

A.__Is exempt from municipal and state agency approval required pursuant to laws, ordinances or rules related to land use, zoning, shoreland zoning or subdivision of property; and

B.__Does not constitute a violation of laws, ordinances or rules relating to land use, zoning, shoreland zoning or subdivision of property.