1. Legislative findings and intent. The Legislature finds that acid deposition, commonly referred to as "acid rain," resulting from commercial, industrial or other emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, is occurring in the State. The Legislature also finds that acid deposition poses a present and severe threat to the State's natural resources, including its fish and wildlife, agriculture and water resources, as well as to the State's economy and public health. Increasing evidence suggests that acid deposition also affects the State's economy by reducing the growth productivity of the State's forest resources. [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] 2. Nitrogen oxides emission inventory. The department shall prepare an inventory of both current and potential nitrogen oxide emission sources in the State. The department shall also evaluate the contribution of nitrogen oxide emissions to acid deposition and other air pollution problems in the State. The inventory and evaluation shall be completed and submitted to the Legislature by January 31, 1987. [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] 3. Acid rain impact study. The department shall complete a study covering the following areas: A. A resampling and measuring of the response of the State's lakes located in sensitive geologic areas; [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] B. An identification of sensitive receptor areas throughout the State based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Geology; elevation; lake size; watershed area; and aquatic and terrestrial flora; [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] C. An assessment of the impact of acid deposition on the growth and productivity of the State's forest resources; and [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] D. A determination through long-range modeling techniques of the contribution of both in-state sources and out-of-state sources to acid rain deposition in the State. [PL 1985, c. 498, §1 (NEW).] In preparing this study, the department shall coordinate with and utilize as fully as possible the research being conducted at the University of Maine and research conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding the acid rain problem. Results of this study shall be reported to the Legislature, together with recommendations for further actions, no later than January 31, 1987. [PL 1985, c. 779, §84 (AMD).]
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