Today, a bill passed unanimously by the Maine Legislature has become law, reauthorizing Maine to remain part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) through 2030, and ensuring deeper pollution cuts from power plants. LD 1657, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Tucker, was prepared by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection after the nine northeast states 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.
Home Improvements the Clean Energy Way
The year 2017 was one of energy upgrades for me. In the summer, Augusta Fuel Company (AFC) pulled out my crumbling oil boiler and all of its associated piping. This was a relief. The piping didn’t meet modern code, and having spent a lot of time working on issues related to in-home oil spills, I Read More
Get Your Car Ready for the Ice and Snow in an Eco-friendly Way
Car experts have tips for shrinking your climate-change treadprint in the cold weather while saving you money. by Meredith Goad, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story October may have been the warmest on record in Portland, but most Mainers know that even climate change can’t keep winter at bay for long. One day soon, Read More
Allen and Elissa Armstrong are Driving Toward a More Sustainable Future
By Mary Pols, Staff Writer Press Herald news story These retirees are are loving their new electric Chevy Bolt. First of all, the Chevy Bolt is not technically Allen Armstrong’s car. It’s his wife Elissa’s, but she lets him drive it, all over their hometown of Portland and beyond. She also gave the go-ahead to Read More
Maine Aims to Use $21 Million VW Settlement to Improve Air Quality
MDOT is seeking public input on its website and plans to hold at least 2 public meetings. by Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The state is taking public comment on its plan to spend $21 million to reduce harmful vehicle emissions as part of a federal legal settlement with Volkswagen over Read More
Solar Bill Could Help Mainers Facing Some of Nation’s Highest Utility Rates
A bill up for vote this week means the PUC could ensure wise use of solar, despite CMP’s cockeyed arguments otherwise. by Tony Buxton, special to the Press Herald Press Herald op-ed If the Legislature passed a law making you pay your grocer for the vegetables you grow in your own garden, you would be Read More
Novel Solar Tracker in South Paris will Fuel Electric Cars – and Hopes for Inspiring Students
Installing the moveable array of panels along a well-traveled road on the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School campus will teach students about renewable energy and generate a higher profile. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state’s first solar array that tracks the sun to charge electric vehicles will be installed Read More
Support of LD 1313, An Act to Establish Energy Policy in Maine and in Opposition to LD 1515
Senator David Woodsome, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Thank you for allowing us to present this joint testimony on these two closely related bills. NRCM strongly supports Read More
Portland Becomes First City in Maine to Require Reporting on Large Buildings’ Energy Use
The council votes 6-3 to pass the ‘benchmarking’ measure, designed to collect baseline data that would be used to gauge trends and the effectiveness of efficiency upgrades. by Randy Billings, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Portland City Council voted 6-3 to become the first community in Maine to require large businesses and Read More
