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
House Passes Bill with Rebates for Solar Panels, Heat Pumps
by Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story A bill that seeks to expand the use of photovoltaic solar panels in Maine and is funded with a fee to electric ratepayers passed the State House on Wednesday with what appears to be broad bipartisan support. Key to the support was an amendment to Read More
Environmentalists, Energy Firms Spar Over LePage’s Bill to Increase Timber Harvest
By Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Environmentalists and energy companies are lining up on opposite sides of a bill by Gov. Paul LePage to increase the state’s timber harvest and use the new revenue to pay for residential energy efficiency programs. The plan would slowly increase the public Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1838, An Act To Expand Affordable Heating Investments with Maine’s Public Resources
Good afternoon Senator Vitelli, Representative Dill, and members of the Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna. I am testifying today on behalf of NRCM’s 16,000 members and supporters in opposition to L.D. 1838. We oppose this legislation because it undermines the integrity of the public lands trust fund by Read More
After Missed Deadlines, Maine Dam Relicensing Bill Gains Support
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection would be required to notify lawmakers when hydropower licenses are up for renewal. By Kevin Miller, Washington Bureau Chief Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers moved Monday to increase their oversight of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection after the agency failed to exercise the state’s right to Read More
My Maine This Week: Sam Horine
“A recent rain had put a hard crust on the snow that made skiing and snowshoeing hard to do, so I bet my wife, Patricia, that I could ride a bike on the river. I did, but wouldn’t recommend it.” – Photo courtesy of NRCM member Sam Horine of Skowhegan, Maine.
Time to Take Action on Climate Change
By Sen. Angus King Seacoast op-ed Maine has a long and proud tradition of environmental stewardship. Our lakes, forests, mountains, oceans, and streams are not only a resource for outdoor recreation, but also the foundation of our state economy. Unfortunately, our failure to respond to global climate change has jeopardized the integrity of our natural Read More
