Whenever there are actual or potential hazards or dangers to property or to the public from radiation, radioactive materials, nuclear materials or the occurrence of a radiological incident as a result of the presence of, release of or emissions from radioactive materials, radioactivity or nuclear materials in this State, which hazards or dangers arise from the peaceful use of nuclear or atomic materials, the Governor, after consultation with and advice of the Department of Health and Welfare, shall by proclamation declare the fact and that an emergency exists in any or all areas of the State. A copy of such proclamation shall be filed with the Secretary of State and published in such newspapers of the State as the Governor deems appropriate. In such event, the Governor shall have general direction and control of the Bureau of State Police, the Department of Health and Welfare, the National Guard and of any other state department or agency. [PL 1971, c. 592, §37 (AMD).] The Governor is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary to protect the public and prevent damage to property. The Governor may order the State Police or National Guard to evacuate any area designated by the Governor and to carry out any other orders the Governor determines necessary, and in such event the State Police and National Guard have full authority to carry out the Governor's orders. The Governor may delegate any authority vested in the Governor under this provision. [PL 2019, c. 475, §50 (AMD).] Whenever the Governor is temporarily absent from the State or is otherwise unavailable, the next person who would act as Governor, if the office of Governor were vacant, shall have all the authority, powers, duties and responsibilities of the Governor under this chapter. [PL 1971, c. 423, §2 (NEW).] Any person who shall violate any lawful order of the Governor or the person acting in that capacity or any person to whom authority has been delegated or any lawful order of the Maine State Police or National Guard shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. [PL 1971, c. 423, §2 (NEW).]
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