Statement of Nick Bennett, Staff Scientist, Natural Resources Council of Maine “NRCM is grateful for today’s unanimous vote in the Maine Senate for a mining bill that will protect Maine’s clean water and taxpayers from the risks of irresponsible mining. “This strong bipartisan bill is the culmination of five years of effort by lawmakers and Read More
Maine Senate Unanimously Votes to Ban Open-pit Mining
By Anthony Brino, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story The Maine Senate has passed a bipartisan metal mining bill that would ban open pit mines and wastewater impoundments, although some environmental advocates fear it does not go far enough. LD 820, An Act To Protect Maine’s Clean Water and Taxpayers from Mining Pollution, passed Read More
My Maine This Week: Dyer Long Pond, by Callie Wronker
Slowly Spring “The ice went out on Dyer Long Pond in Jefferson in mid-April, only a couple of weeks ago. I took this photo when the ice had retreated from our side of the lake, and after a cloudy day, we had a gorgeous moment of setting sun lighting the trees which were then reflected in completely Read More
Legislative Committee Holds Hearing on Solar Incentives
by Fred Bever Maine Public news story An overflow crowd turned out for a legislative committee hearing Thursday as supporters and opponents of incentives for solar power development in Maine squared off. Earlier this year state regulators adopted a new version of solar power rules that would gradually reduce existing incentives for the installation of Read More
Support of LD 1373, An Act to Expand and Protect Access to Solar Power in Maine
Senator David Woodsome, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We strongly support this bill, which will increase Maine’s energy Read More
Two Visions for Katahdin Region: Gov. LePage vs. Lucas St. Clair
By James McCarthy, staff writer Maine Biz news story Two sharply different visions for the future of the Katahdin region were presented during Tuesday’s Republican-led hearing in Washington, D.C., looking at presidentially declared national monuments, including Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Only four witnesses were invited to speak before the Federal Lands Subcommittee Read More
Support of LD 1534, An Act to Address Hunger, Support Maine Farms, and Reduce Waste
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Ryan Parker and I am the Environmental Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 1534. NRCM supports the intent and language of LD Read More
Maine People, Businesses, Workers, Town Leaders Rally and Testify to Support Solar Bill
Augusta, ME – Hundreds of proponents of solar power gathered at the State House today to call on lawmakers to pass legislation this year to move Maine forward on solar power and prevent rollbacks by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Many will testify at a public hearing this afternoon in favor of An Act to Read More
Mr. LePage Goes to Washington, Embarrasses Maine
By David Farmer Bangor Daily News column WASHINGTON – Gov. Paul LePage is racking up the frequent flyer miles with his recent spate of visits to Washington, D.C. I hope he earns a free upgrade or a ticket someplace nice because he’s certainly not doing himself – or our state – any favors with his Read More
