My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. I will begin by stating that, for NRCM, passage of a solid solar power bill is a top priority for the energy committee this session. We believe 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.
Solar Bill Fuels Debate on Maine’s Energy Future
by Alanna Durkin, Associated Press Boston Globe news story (AP) — A bill aimed at boosting solar energy development in Maine will strengthen the economy by creating jobs, protect the environment by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and bring the state up to speed with the rest of New England in harnessing the sun’s Read More
How to Prepare for Maine’s Next Big, Windy Industry
Bangor Daily News editorial One day, there will be an offshore wind energy industry in the United States. Maine can either prepare for it now — by fostering a stable environment for related business, technology and education growth — or lose later. New industries with potential to create thousands of jobs do not come to Read More
Maine Groups Join Coalition Calling for Bold Action to Advance Offshore Wind Power in Atlantic
NRCM press release With critical federal tax incentives set to expire on December 31, twelve Maine organizations joined more than 230 other organizations and elected officials Wednesday to urge the Obama Administration to take swift, bold action to facilitate the development of offshore wind power. Their letter to the President is available here. A 12-megawatt (MW) offshore Read More
Offshore Wind Project Will Benefit Maine’s Economy and the Environment
The state is in a strong position to compete for a pilot project grant from U.S. Department of Energy. by Sara Gideon Portland Press Herald op-ed FREEPORT — What if, right now in Maine, a project proposed making good use of two of our state’s greatest assets: Maine’s natural resources and the University of Maine’s Read More
Maine Needs to Move Forward with Offshore Wind
Statoil’s departure should not obscure all the progress of this renewable energy resource. by Paul Williamson Portland Press Herald op-ed PORTLAND — There has been a lot said about the terminated Statoil Offshore Wind Project in past weeks with months of additional comment leading up to this period. Yes, it is a loss to our Read More
Killing of Statoil Project for Political Reasons Hurt Maine and Its Workers
Gov. LePage’s contempt for wind power blocked an opportunity and, worse, harmed Maine’s reputation. By Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland Portland Press Herald op-ed PORTLAND — It’s not often that Maine — or, frankly, any state — has an opportunity to become the home, the hub, of a worldwide innovator. It’s not often that Maine Read More
“I Will Act on Climate” Bus Tour Arrives in Maine
Maine business, health, elected, academic, conservation leaders express their support, urge support for federal climate change standards Press Release Bangor/Portland—A coalition of local business, health, elected, academic, and conservation leaders are joining the “I Will Act on Climate” bus as it arrived in Bangor and Portland, Maine Monday, August 12, as part of 27-state tour. Read More
After Deal on UMaine Project, “Historic” Energy Bill Passes Into Law
by Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story A bill that will move Maine toward ending its so-called “oil poverty” was passed into law late Wednesday after the state Senate unanimously rejected Gov. Paul LePage’s veto. The measure is aimed at expanding New England’s natural gas infrastructure, boosting funding for energy efficiency, directly Read More
