Portland Press Herald news story Portland city councilors will consider a new goal of powering municipal operations with 100 percent clean energy by 2040. City Councilor Spencer Thibodeau, chairman of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee, is presenting the goal in the form of a council resolution. Thibodeau will formally announce the goal Thursday at a 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.
Deeper EPA Cuts Pose a Particular Menace to Maine
Critics say both the environment and the economy would be hard hit by losses in funding for Superfund sites and water quality monitoring. By Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The deeper cuts proposed by the Trump administration would slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund cleanup activities and eliminate its Read More
A Subsidy Maine Electric Customers Pay to Encourage Renewable Energy Up for Review
Lawmakers will consider two bills that seek to address deficiencies in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which even advocates admit isn’t working as intended. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story A multimillion-dollar subsidy that Maine electric customers pay to encourage the use of renewable power is up for review in the Legislature Read More
Unity Group Flips Switch on Solar Array at Common Ground Center
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s 300-panel array will offset the organization’s fossil fuel consumption at the site of the Common Ground Country Fair. by Colin Ellis, Morning Sentinel Central Maine newspapers news story UNITY — The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association effectively flipped the on-switch Monday for its new solar array at Read More
Wind Power Foes: Don’t Ruin Maine’s Beauty to Feed “Green Energy” Demands
Although wind energy is supported by many environmentalists, those who oppose development in the Moosehead region feel the reality of wind power would mean no real reduction in Maine By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Wind power opponents near Moosehead Lake are worried that Massachusetts interests are going Read More
Maine Joins Suit against Trump Administration Over Delay of Energy-efficiency Rules
by Erik Larson and Andrew Harris, Bloomberg Sun Journal news story Maine is one of 10 states and a handful of national environmental groups suing the Trump administration, claiming it’s violating federal law by delaying energy-efficiency standards intended to save Americans almost $24 billion. Six rules for ceiling fans, walk-in coolers and other consumer products that Read More
A Shared Vision of Energy Policy Points to an “Electric Future” that Benefits All
Using the sun’s energy would be good for people and businesses, including investor-owned utilities. By Steve Weems, Special to the Press Herald Portland Press Herald op-ed We invite everyone to think strategically about Maine’s energy policy, especially solar electricity, when considering specific proposals. “We” includes co-authors Fortunat Mueller (ReVision Energy), Jay Kilbourn (Kennebunk Light & Power) Read More
Fixing Maine’s Solar Policy
by Peter Simmons of Brunswick Times Record op-ed The ongoing dispute between Governor LePage and solar advocates over energy policy deserves serious consideration and demands swift resolution. Although the Governor believes that solar power raises the cost of electricity and incentives only benefit the wealthy, a wisely designed solar policy will lower costs, result in Read More
Solar Sheds Provide Solution for Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Panels
The Pittsfield-Unity partnership provides a more cost-effective option that will get customers a better return, according to the managers. by Madeleine St. Amour, staff writer Central Maine newspapers news story UNITY — Matt Wagner decided one day to stop by an Amish-run business that builds mostly sheds and some tiny homes. Wagner, who lives in Read More
