On April 30, 2019, Maine became the first state in the nation to ban disposable foam food containers under a bill signed into law by Governor Janet Mills. The law prohibits restaurants, caterers, coffee shops, and grocery stores from using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam containers. One of the top 10 contributors to litter, polystyrene is both a concern for the environment and Read More
Creature Feature: Harbor Seal
Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina Cool Fact: The Portland Sea Dogs, a minor league baseball team, are named after a slang term for the harbor seal. Anyone who has spent much time on the coast of Maine has probably seen a harbor seal. Seals haul out on rocks to rest and sun themselves, often posing with Read More
My Maine This Week: Aaron Rivard
If you have spent any time near any Maine rivers in the past few weeks, you have likely seen high, fast-moving water. With the snow melting and large rainfalls happening, people are sharing amazing photos of these springtime waters. This week’s photo is of Cascade Falls in Farmington, Maine, taken by NRCM supporter Aaron Rivard Read More
Comments about CMP Corridor Submitted to Army Corps of Engineers
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) , and Trout Unlimited (TU) submitted these public comments to the Army Corps of Engineers on April 25, 2019, regarding Central Maine Power’s proposed “New England Clean Energy Connect” (NECEC) transmission line. Full comments Appendix: A.i. AMC, NRCM, and TU direct testimony combined A.ii. Read More
Support of LD 1532, An Act To Eliminate Single-use Plastic Carry-out Bags
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in strong support of LD 1532. NRCM has worked alongside Read More
Support of LD 1561, An Act To Amend the Maine Land Use Planning Commission Laws and Enhance the Economic Vitality of Neighboring Communities
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative Hickman, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I live in Alna. I am here today on behalf of more than 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in support of LD 1561, An Act to Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1430, An Act To Create Tax Equity among Renewable Energy Investments
Senator Chipman, Representative Tipping, and members of the Committee on Taxation, my name is Sophie Janeway and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s leading environmental advocacy group with more than 20,000 members and supporters. I appreciate the opportunity to testify in Read More
Making Recycling a Lifelong Habit at China Middle School
In mid-March, JMG received a piece of mail that was anticipated with great excitement. Inside that envelope was the key that would open the door for a revamped recycling program. Eighth graders, Joe Wing and Colby Willey, proudly showed the grant check from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The $500 grant award was able to give Read More
New Law Protects Freshwater Lakes and Rivers from Septic Pollution
NRCM applauds action to ensure clean water for drinking, recreation, and wildlife NRCM news release April 23, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – A bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Janet Mills and sponsored by Representative Jessica Fay (D-Raymond) will help protect Maine lakes and rivers from pollution due to leaking septic systems. Malfunctioning septic systems Read More
