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
Energy Efficiency
NRCM supports energy efficiency technologies and initiatives that benefit Maine. For too long, Maine—and the U.S.—has been reliant upon fossil fuels for our energy needs. These dirty energy sources—oil, coal, gas—contribute to climate change and other air pollution that leads to serious health and environmental issues in Maine. This addiction to dirty energy also hinders progress toward the increased energy independence our country and our state need.
NRCM's top energy priority is advocating for greater energy efficiency and conservation, as that is consistently the cheapest, cleanest way to combat Maine’s environmental problems while reducing energy pollution.
Maine has created momentum and infrastructure for energy efficiency improvements. Now, Maine needs a longer-term strategy to maximize energy efficiency and weatherization in our homes and businesses, boost business growth, and slash energy costs.
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
Land, Water, Wildlife to Get Attention from Maine Legislature
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
Our Schools Need to Learn to ABCs of Energy Efficiency
It’s disheartening to see how many schools in the state literally burn money using outdated boilers. By Todd Chase Portland Press Herald op-ed GORHAM — It’s January – typically one of the coldest months of the year, and it’s lived up to its reputation. During these bone-chilling days when heating systems struggle to warm our 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
Using Less is Maine’s Only Option to Dull Winter Electricity Price Spike
Bangor Daily News editorial Maine utility regulators have been warning of a big increase in electricity prices this winter. The problem is that the northeast is heavily reliant on natural gas for electric power generation. With limited pipeline capacity, the region’s growing demand for gas can’t be met. Natural gas is the largest source of Read More
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
