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
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.
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
LePage Blasts Maine Lawmakers on Solar Efforts
by Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday launched a fusillade of criticism against the Legislature’s Democratic majority for supporting bills that promote solar energy during one of the coldest winters in recent history. Rolling out a new proposal on energy, LePage said the focus Read More
LePage: Cut Down More Public Trees to Pay for Heating Efficiency Programs.
The governor said that heat pumps, not solar rebates, are key to the state’s energy future. By Matt Byrne, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage and officials at the state energy office announced plans Tuesday to increase logging on public lands and use the new revenue to help Mainers convert inefficient Read More
LePage: Harvest More Timber to Lower Heating Bills
by A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage will submit a bill to the Legislature this week that, if approved, would pump more money into a home heating conversion fund. He would pay for it by increasing the timber harvest limits on state-owned land. But critics of the plan say that’s an improper use Read More
Plan to Use State Timber Money for Energy Rebates Under Attack
WGME news story AUGUSTA (WGME) — It’s one of Maine’s largest natural resources. Trees. And Governor Paul LePage wants to use Maine’s trees to lower your energy costs. The governor wants to increase commercial logging on state-owned public land, and use the additional money to help people convert to more efficient home heating systems. Governor Read More
Maine Lawmakers Should Pass Solar Power Rebate Bill
More people would invest in this technology if there were a timely incentive from the state. Portland Press Herald editorial Maine lags behind two-thirds of the states when it comes to installed solar power per capita, and it’s not for the reason you probably think. It’s not because we are so far north or have Read More
Homeowners, and Business and Conservation Leaders, Call on Legislature to Pass Solar Legislation
Urge legislators to keep Maine from lagging on solar energy and jobs News release by Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Association of Building Professionals Augusta, ME—Dozens of Maine homeowners and small business owners assembled at the State House today to call on legislators to pass solar legislation this session that will lower barriers Read More
Maine Bill Aims to Boost Solar Power Development
by Patty B. Wight MPBN radio news story The heat of the sun may seem far away on this bitterly cold day. But it was the focus of debate in the Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee. A new bill aims to make solar power more affordable and accessible for Mainers. But opponents question the push Read More
