LePage Appointees Vote to Ignore and Subvert Legislative Intent News release Augusta, ME – In a surprising and unfortunate development, Mainers will be paying higher electric bills because the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today voted (2-1) to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs that reduce electricity costs for Maine homes and businesses, despite 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.
PUC Votes to Slash Funding for Energy Efficiency Programs
By Susan Sharon MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine — In a move being criticized by environmental groups, the Maine Public Utilities Commission today voted 2-1 to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs. If the ruling stands, the head of Efficiency Maine says he’ll have to slash programs to help people heat their homes and Read More
The Value of Power: Solar Goes Sky-high in Maine
Broad use of energy from the sun offers long-term benefits for the state, says an analysis for the Public Utilities Commission. Will the finding influence the debate over subsidies? By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story If solar energy gained widespread use in Maine it would have a greater total value than Read More
Maine PUC’s Solar Power Study Released Today Shows Enormous Benefits
Rooftop Solar Power Delivers More Value Than Electricity Derived From Power Plants News Release Augusta, ME – The Maine Public Utilities Commission has released a study that gives a quantitative value for solar power produced in Maine. The study was in response to legislation passed last year. It focused on “distributed” solar, meaning solar that is Read More
Senator King and I: Touring Mt. Abram, the Mountain that’s Gone Solar and Beyond
Looking for a good excuse to head to the slopes? Mt. Abram ski area offers plenty, and they’re good for Maine’s environment. On February 16, I had the great pleasure of joining Senator Angus King for a tour of the Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine. This locally owned, family-friendly ski area now hosts the second-largest Read More
Angus King Tours Mt. Abram Renewable Energy Projects
by Susan Sharon Maine Public news story GREENWOOD, Maine — Maine Sen. Angus King visited the Mt. Abram Ski Resort here on Monday, where he got a look at the operation’s cutting-edge renewable energy upgrades that have reduced its carbon footprint by 760,000 pounds so far. The clean energy improvements include a 245-kilowatt solar project, Read More
Bill Would Create Tax Credits for Wood Pellet Boiler Purchases
by Christopher Crosby, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story GREENWOOD — U.S. Sen. Angus King announced Monday that he will introduce legislation that would give a boost to the state’s emerging biomass industry by lowering the hurdle for consumers to purchase wood pellet boilers. The bill, titled the Biomass Thermal Utilization Act, would issue residential Read More
Senator King at Mt. Abram Ski Area to Promote Clean Energy Solutions to Climate Change
Ski Area Showcases Investments in Solar, Biomass, Efficiency to Lower Costs and Emissions News release Greenwood, ME – Today U.S. Senator Angus King toured clean energy projects, including an 803-panel solar installation, wood pellet-fired heating system, and an electric car charging station, at the Mt. Abram ski area. King said clean energy solutions Read More
Environmental Advocates Push Solar, Energy Efficiency Bills
Associated Press news story AUGUSTA (AP) — Environmental advocates called on the divided Maine Legislature on Thursday to back a series of bill this session they say will expand the use of solar power, help residents cut their heating bills and bolster wildlife protections. The six-bill package outlined by the Environmental Priorities Coalition includes measures Read More