By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Solar energy expansion in Maine continues to lag behind the rest of the country, despite a 25 percent increase in sales, and a decline in the cost of installation. Solar power advocates in Maine cite poor policy for the problem, and are calling for changes 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.
U.S. Solar Installations Surge in 2014: Maine Losing Out
“There is no question that Maine businesses and people want to go solar,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
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
Historic Eight Million Comments Delivered in Support of EPA Clean Power Plan, Including Thousands from Maine
Milestone Reached as the Public Comment Period Closed at Midnight, Highlighting 2+-Year Effort to Give a Voice to Maine Citizens Who Want Clean Energy and Action on Climate Change News Release Augusta, ME—As the public comment period on the Clean Power Plan came to a close at midnight on Monday, Maine groups supporting climate action 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
Angus King to Cast Pivotal ‘No’ Vote on Keystone Pipeline
The Maine senator confirms that he will vote against the project that a Louisiana Democrat considers crucial to saving her career. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Maine Sen. Angus King said he plans to cast a pivotal vote against a Keystone XL pipeline bill on Tuesday, potentially scuttling supporters’ efforts Read More
It’s Time to Stop Compromising on Environment Sustainability
by Stephen Mulkey Kennebec Journal op-ed So now what? Clearly we are in deep trouble and truly meaningful environmental progress in the near term is no longer a reasonable expectation. Compromise and wonky engagement continue to fail. Expecting progress on climate change and sustainability from Congress is off the table, now and possibly for the Read More
A Completely Green-powered Island Gives Mainers Ideas
The Danish island of Samsø becomes a classroom and source of inspiration for a group of Maine students and residents. By Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story There are 4,613 islands in the state of Maine, 15 of them inhabited year-round by people who understand that on a Maine island, the wind Read More
Plan to Pipe Tar Sands Oil Near Maine Border Sparks Environmental Concerns
By Tom Porter MPBN News Story TORONTO – Environmental groups in Maine are speaking out against Canadian energy giant TransCanada, the company behind the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. TransCanada today submitted formal applications to build the largest, most expensive pipeline in North America. Although it would not cross into U.S. territory, some in Maine say Read More