This session’s bills address such issues as mining rules, ‘microbeads,’ pesticides, bear hunting, lake protection and disposable plastic bags. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story State lawmakers will grapple with a mix of old and new environmental issues this legislative session, taking up measures that range from a renewed push to 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.
Legislature Considering Measures to Lower Solar Power Costs
by Mal Leary MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine could increase the use of solar power for electricity, heating and cooling homes under measures before the state Legislature this year. Among the proposals under consideration, allowing more cooperation between individuals to generate solar energy, and providing rebates to lower costs and improve affordability. Advocates Read More
Maine Wind Industry Boasts 1,560 Jobs, $532 Million in Spending
The industry report comes at a time of political uncertainty over a key federal tax credit and energy policy in the Legislature. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Read the wind energy report Wind power companies have spent more than $532 million on projects in Maine over the past eight years Read More
Energy Efficiency Saves Jackson Laboratory More than 1 Million KwH, Thanks to Funds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
NRCM news release For more information, see: www.nrcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/JacksonLab9.pdf While businesses across Maine are scrambling to deal with the electric price increases that are slated to hit customers this winter, Jackson Lab has already taken steps to help ease its exposure, through wise energy-efficient investments over the last few years. “With help from Efficiency Maine and Read More
Maine Lagging Behind in Solar Energy
News Center Maine news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — According to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, solar panels surged in popularity in the state and across the country in 2014, but Maine is still lagging due to lack of solar energy policy. Business leaders and clean energy experts met at the Days Read More
Solar Advocates: Maine Lagging Nation in Tapping Sun Power
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Solar energy expansion in Maine continues to lag behind the rest of the country, despite a 25 percent increase in sales, and a decline in the cost of installation. Solar power advocates in Maine cite poor policy for the problem, and are calling for changes Read More
U.S. Solar Installations Surge in 2014: Maine Losing Out
“There is no question that Maine businesses and people want to go solar,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
South Portland Charges Ahead with Going ‘Green’
The city leases electric cars, installs power-up stations and plans a solar farm as it accelerates its environmental sustainability efforts. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — The Nissan Leaf barely hummed as City Manager Jim Gailey drove along Highland Avenue, turned onto Evans Street and pulled into the Read More
It’s Time to Stop Compromising on Environment Sustainability
by Stephen Mulkey Kennebec Journal op-ed So now what? Clearly we are in deep trouble and truly meaningful environmental progress in the near term is no longer a reasonable expectation. Compromise and wonky engagement continue to fail. Expecting progress on climate change and sustainability from Congress is off the table, now and possibly for the Read More
