The Maine Environmental Protection Fund, referred to in this subchapter as “the fund,” is established as a nonlapsing fund to supplement licensing programs administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all fees established under this subchapter must be credited to the fund, and administrative expenses directly related to licensing programs must be charged to the fund. [PL 2011, c. 653, §8 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 653, §33 (AFF).]

All fees related to metallic mineral mining applications and permits under section 352, subsection 4?A must be credited to the Metallic Mining Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds account, which is established as a subaccount of the Maine Environmental Protection Fund to provide for prompt and effective planning, oversight and implementation of metallic mineral mining operations. [PL 2011, c. 653, §9 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 653, §33 (AFF).]

Money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the department in the exercise of its responsibilities under its licensing programs shall be deposited with the Treasurer of State to the credit of the fund and may be invested in as provided by statute. Interest on these investments shall be credited to the fund. [PL 1983, c. 574, §1 (NEW).]

Allowable expenditures include Personal Services, All Other and Capital Expenditures associated with prelicense or permit activities such as application reviews, public hearings and appeals, the actual license or permit processing activities and associated post-license or permit compliance activities required to assure continued licensee or permittee compliance and enforcement activities as a result of license or permit noncompliance. [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. WW, §1 (AMD).]

The commissioner may, subject to the approval of the Governor, apply for, accept on behalf of the State and deposit to the fund funds, grants, bequests, gifts or contributions from any person, corporation or governmental entity. The funds must be expended consistent with the purposes of the department as established in section 341?A. [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. WW, §2 (AMD).]