By Nick McCrea, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A pipeline company and a water freight organization have filed suit against the city of South Portland, arguing an ordinance effectively banning the shipment of tar sands, or oil sands, from its waterfront violates their constitutional rights. The ordinance passed last Read More
Climate
Climate change and global warming pollution harm Maine people, wildlife, and our environment. Among the highest rates of childhood asthma in the nation, rising seas and severe storms battering our coastal homes and towns, warming and more acidic oceans threatening fisheries, too many “bad air days,” more and more tick-borne diseases, threats to our fall foliage and winter tourism industries—these are among the many health, environmental, and economic problems climate change pollution is causing here in Maine.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine is working to reduce climate-changing pollution by making Maine more energy efficient. We work to provide clean, renewable energy and cleaner more efficient vehicles that will reduce Maine’s contribution to air pollution and climate change to ensure Maine people and wildlife have clean air to breathe.
Protect South Portland, Others Will Intervene in PPLC Suit Against City of South Portland
Protect South Portland news release South Portland—Portland Pipe Line Corp. filed suit against the City of South Portland today over the City’s landmark Clear Skies Ordinance, which was passed 6-1 by the City Council at the end of July. “We’re disappointed, to say the least,” said MJ Ferrier, spokeswoman for Protect South Portland, the several Read More
Portland Pipe Line Sues South Portland Over Ban on Loading Crude Oil
Adopted last summer, the city’s ordinance aims to prevent the flow of tar sands oil into Maine. By Edward D. Murphy, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Portland Pipe Line Corp. filed a federal lawsuit against South Portland on Friday, seeking to overturn the city’s ban on loading crude oil into tankers in 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
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
Snowy Owls Popping Up Again Across Northern U.S.
They’re being reported on the online eBird database this winter across the northern third of the Lower 48 states, including Maine. The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story ITHACA, N.Y. — Last winter brought an unprecedented number of snowy owl sightings in the northern United States, and this winter is turning out to be Read More
North American Sightings of Elusive Snowy Owls Take Flight
By Barbara Goldberg, Reuters Bangor Daily News news story NEW YORK — The elusive snowy owl, rarely seen outside the Arctic, is turning up more frequently in the skies of North America than it does in the pages of a Harry Potter book, data from the National Audubon Society suggested on Wednesday. Sightings of the Read More
