FRYEBURG (AP) — Opponents of a 25-year contract between a water utility in western Maine and the company that owns the Poland Spring brand say the utility regulators who have the final say on the contract all have ties to the Poland Spring’s parent company.
The Public Utilities Commission will hear final arguments Tuesday on the contract between Nestle Waters North America and the Fryeburg Water Co.
The Maine Sunday Telegram says two of the three commissioners have worked directly for Nestle Waters, while the third worked for a law firm that lobbies for Nestle.
One commissioner has recused himself, and opponents want Commission Chairman Welch to do the same. He says he’s reluctant to do so because the PUC can’t rule on a case without at least two members voting.
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