The legislative session is underway in Augusta, with continuing bipartisan support for action on clean energy and climate change. We are finally poised to make important strides on policies that reduce pollution; lower energy costs; and create a stronger, more sustainable economy for all Mainers. To do so, Maine people will need to stay engaged Read More
Clean Energy
Clean energy improves Maine's air quality and reduces climate-changing pollution throughout the state of Maine and the greater New England region. That’s why NRCM is a steadfast advocate for state policies and initiatives that benefit Maine’s environment.
NRCM’s climate and clean energy work is focused on where we can have the greatest impact: electric vehicles, clean and renewable energy production, and greater energy efficiency.
Our clean energy work is critical to reducing Maine’s environmental problems and adverse affects to our health. Including high asthma rates, more “bad air days,” rising sea levels due to climate change that threaten coastal communities, and threats to our fall foliage, skiing, and our vital tourism-based industry.
NRCM makes certain that Maine's elected officials and other decision-makers are kept updated about leading information related to global warming pollution, clean energy technologies, and steps Maine can take to ensure clean air for generations to come.
Ending Gross Metering a Good First Step for Solar Development
Bangor Daily News editorial It would be a gross understatement to say that Maine’s relatively new rules for solar power generation and billing have not been well received, particularly by the solar industry, environmental groups and the Maine people turning to this source of renewable energy. For years, Maine homeowners and others have received credits Read More
Portland Students are Rising Up on Behalf of Solar Energy
Kids understand the urgency of taking action, and they are ready to be heard by adults. by Siri Pierce of Portland, a Casco Bay High School junior and an organizer of SolaRISE Portland, a collaboration among student leaders, residents and educators to promote environmental stewardship. Portland Press Herald op-ed Kids are used to adults not Read More
Solar Supporters Urge Maine Lawmakers to Restore Financial Incentives
Hoping to capitalize on a shift in the political climate, installers and other advocates for solar energy want homeowners to again receive credit for feeding electricity back into the grid. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Solar power advocates urged Maine lawmakers on Tuesday to revive financial incentives for Read More
Blaine House to Show that Solar is a Good Deal
Mainers will get to see how they could benefit as the price for solar panels drops. Portland Press Herald editorial The Blaine House is not just the building where the governor lives. It’s also a place where the chief executive can make a point. So when then-Gov. Paul LePage wanted to promote the use of Read More
Support of LD 91, An Act to Repeal Gross Metering
Senator Mark Lawrence, 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. NRCM supports the repeal of gross metering, which is punitive, Read More
Bill to Tax Fossil Fuel Producers Among Dozens of Climate-Related Proposals Before Maine Legislature
by Steve Mistler Maine Public news story From carbon taxes to the Maine version of the Green New Deal, Democratic state lawmakers are pitching a slew of bills designed to address the threat of climate change. While Democrats have introduced climate bills before, the proposals had no real chance to become law during Republican Gov. Read More
Clean Energy Agenda Sees Power Surge in Augusta
With the shift in political priorities, lawmakers propose dozens of bills, including ‘a bold idea’: A Green New Deal. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story When she was 12, Chloe Maxmin formed a Climate Action club at her school. At Harvard, where she graduated in 2015, she co-founded a campaign calling Read More
Solar Panel Plan for Blaine House Sends a Message
The governor solicits proposals for what’s likely to be a visible affirmation of renewable energy. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Mills administration is drawing up a request for proposals over the coming weeks to install solar-electric panels on the Blaine House, an action meant to signal that Maine once again Read More
