Maine State House Approves GMO Labeling Bill 141-4, But Ties Law To Actions Of Contiguous States

(Ed. - Rep. Lance) Harvel told members of the House during floor debate that consumers have a right to know what they're purchasing, and that the amended bill would accomplish that purpose.

"This bill merely says that it would require products made with genetic engineering to be labeled, and it does not place Maine an as an outlier," Harvel said. "Maine would be in a compact with five other states, so we wouldn't be alone - even economically."

The amended bill says Maine would insist on the labeling when five contiguous states from a group that includes New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey also sign on to the policy.

But Rep. Brian Jones, a Freedom Democrat, objected to the proposal because the contiguous language would allow New Hampshire to stop Maine's efforts. "Let's put the Dirigo back into Maine," Jones said. "We cannot restrict ourselves to being dependent on five contiguous states including Maine, which would essentially mean that New Hampshire has veto power over this legislative body."

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