Good afternoon Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology. My name is Sue Ely, and I work for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am pleased to testify today in support of LD 1634, An Act To Create the Maine Generation Authority. Maine faces a monumental 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.
Opposition to LD 101, An Act to Prohibit Offshore Wind Energy Development
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. My name is David Costello. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in strong opposition to LD 101, An Act to Prohibit Offshore Wind Energy Development. OSW Key to Maine’s Read More
Governor Mills’ Plan for Rescue Act Funding Includes Critical Investments for Jobs and Cleaner Air and Water
May 4, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Maine Governor Janet Mills has proposed distributing American Rescue Plan funding to make critical investments in energy efficiency, broadband, wastewater clean-up, State Parks, and other essential programs that will help Maine emerge from the pandemic stronger, support local jobs, and lead to cleaner air and water for Maine people, Read More
Updated Building Codes Will Help Mainers Save Money
As Maine’s new Climate Action Plan notes, modernizing homes and businesses to use cleaner energy, increase energy efficiency, and utilize lower-carbon building materials can both reduce pollution and enhance the health and prosperity of Maine people. A key step toward these goals is updating Maine’s outdated building energy codes, also known as the Maine Uniform Read More
Opposition to LD 1472, An Act to Require Legislative Approval for the State’s Participation in Compacts, Programs and Agreements Regarding Transportation and Climate Change
Senator Baldacci, Representative Matlack, and distinguished members of the State and Local Government Committee. My name is Sue Ely. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Policy Advocate and Staff Attorney at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in opposition to LD 1472, An Act to Require Legislative Approval for the State’s Read More
Maine Environmental Groups Praise U.S. Leadership at International Climate Summit
News Release by the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Conservation Voters April 22, 2021 (Augusta, Maine) — Maine environmental groups say that the two-day Leaders Summit on Climate convened today by President Joe Biden has returned the United States to a position of global leadership on climate action that will deliver real benefits Read More
Support of LD 1094, An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Reduce Homeowner and Municipal Energy Bills through Increased Efficiency and Weatherization Projects
Good afternoon Senator Breen, Representative Pierce, and distinguished members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. My name is Sue Ely, and I am a staff attorney at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am pleased to testify today in support of LD 1094, An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Read More
Maine’s Opportunity to Invest in Clean, Reliable Transportation for All Mainers
President Biden recently announced the American Jobs Plan, a historic investment in our infrastructure aimed at creating new jobs and reducing pollution. Maine stands to benefit tremendously from this once-in-a-lifetime proposal to build a better future, but only if we invest strategically in projects that not only grow our economy but also make our communities Read More
Support of LD 1350, An Act to Expand Maine’s Clean Energy Economy
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. My name is David Costello. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in support of LD 1350, An Act to Expand Maine’s Clean Energy Economy. Clean Energy Transition Vital Strengthening Read More
