But a proposed measure would help the state develop plentiful and cost-effective energy solutions. by Sen. Eloise Vitelli Portland Press Herald op-ed ARROWSIC — Mainers want and deserve access to an affordable way to generate power for our homes and businesses. Collectively, Mainers spend an average of $5 billion a year on out-of state fossil Read More
My Maine This Week: David Small
“A trip last week to the Lyle Littlefield Ornamental Garden at the University of Maine in Orono yielded a flock of Bohemian Waxwings feeding on the cherry trees. A sure sign of spring!” – Photo by NRCM member David Small of Old Town, Maine. To see past My Maine This Week photos, or to submit a photo Read More
Legislature Gives Final Approval to Bill that Sets Solar Goals for Maine
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today the Maine Legislature gave near unanimous support and final approval to a landmark bill that seeks to increase the use of solar energy in Maine. LD 1652 is good news for our economy, clean air, and Maine’s energy independence because it lays Read More
Maine Small Business Owners Urge LePage to Allow Solar Bill to Become Law
Say LD 1252 Will Strengthen Economy and Increase Jobs for Small Businesses Through Greater Investments in Solar Energy and Heat Pumps NRCM news release Augusta, ME – Small businesses gathered today to urge Governor LePage to allow a solar bill to become law, now that it has passed the Legislature with bipartisan support. More than 20 Read More
My Maine This Week: Sunkhaze Stream by Pam Wells
“Sunkhaze Stream is starting to thaw….sort of. There is still a lot of ice, however. In some places, the snow and ice reached at least 10 feet high. A beautiful day for a snowshoe…” Photo by NRCM member Pam Wells of Old Town, Maine.
CMP Seeks to Raise Rates for Solar Producers
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story The Maine Public Utilities Commission is taking public testimony tonight in Portland on a Central Maine Power Co. rate restructuring plan that critics say would discourage Mainers from investing in renewable energy and also raise fixed monthly fees on both residential and business customers. As Susan Sharon reports, several Read More
Maine Fans of Solar Power Rally Against CMP Rate Plan
Regulators are reviewing a proposal that would levy a charge for customers who generate power. By Paul Koenig Kennebec Journal news story HALLOWELL — Around two dozen solar power proponents rallied outside the Maine Public Utility Commission office Wednesday to protest proposed electricity rate changes they say will discourage individuals from investing in renewable energy Read More
The Dirty Truth About Tar Sands
By Dr. Daniel Parenteau Sun Chronicle/KeepMECurrent op-ed It is widely believed that Big Oil is pursuing a possible plan to transport tar sands oil through some of the most important natural and cultural landscapes in Central Canada, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Under the plan, Enbridge’s Line 9 and ExxonMobil’s Portland-Montreal pipeline would be reversed Read More
History Shows Mining’s Consequences: Rules to Protect Maine’s Environment are Insufficient
By Fred Kircheis, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed I have observed mines and mining operations on three continents and in many countries. What too many have in common are the contaminated waters, decimated fish populations, polluted air and destroyed landscapes left behind. Those consequences elsewhere — and in Maine — should be Read More