When drivers purchase an electric car or truck they may not realize that they’re also getting a potent energy storage device out of the deal as well. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries won’t just help get us around, they are a potentially powerful and promising tool for building a more resilient and affordable clean energy grid 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.
The Economic Promise of Offshore Wind in Maine
Offshore wind holds great promise for Maine. Floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine is expected to generate about half of the electricity Maine needs by 2040 by providing a reliable source of renewable energy. This will bring a once-in-a-century opportunity to create good-paying jobs for Maine workers now and into the future. And Read More
New Report: Benefits of Maine’s Solar Growth Outweigh Costs
A new report commissioned by Maine’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) provides clear evidence for policymakers that the benefits of solar growth outweigh the costs. The PUC’s report, entitled “Status and Cost & Benefit Analysis of Maine’s 2023 Solar Market,” is the first comprehensive assessment of the costs and benefits of solar projects under the Net Read More
Maine’s Clean Transportation Future
Our vision for Maine’s transportation future is one in which Mainers can get where they need to go with a variety of clean, affordable, and safe options. In this future, cars and trucks no longer run on fossil fuels, saving drivers money and giving us cleaner, healthier air. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are everywhere Read More
Syncing Utility Performance with Maine’s Clean Energy Goals
It may come as a surprise that our utilities’ profits aren’t based on how the companies perform. A bill before the Maine Legislature would help correct that. LD 2172 gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the authority to use a suite of tools that help calibrate utility profits with performance. It also sets in motion Read More
Board of Environmental Protection Strikes Down Life-saving Cleaner Cars Rule
Maine will not join 13 other states in adopting pollution reduction program; state at risk of not meeting climate goals Augusta – Today, after more than a year of rulemaking and public engagement, Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) voted not to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) rule, leaving billions in health and Read More
Final Wind Energy Area for Gulf of Maine Protects Key Fishing Ground and Minimizes Wildlife Impacts
BOEM Announcement Sets the Stage for What Could be Nation’s First Floating Offshore Wind Farms News Release March 15, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — The federal government today announced the final Wind Energy Area where development of offshore wind may occur in the Gulf of Maine. The area designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Read More
Climate, Business, and Health Leaders Show Strong Support for Clean Cars Rule, Cutting Air Pollution in Maine
Maine leaders voting on the Advanced Clean Cars II program later this month News release South Portland — Today, local business and climate leaders held a press conference at ReVision Energy’s facility urging the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) to vote to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) rule at the March 20th Read More
NRCM Experts Contributing to Maine’s Bold Climate Action Policies
March 6, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – Experts at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) were recently recognized for the important roles they play in catalyzing community action on climate change and contributing to practical climate solutions for an equitable clean energy transition. The experts have been appointed to a variety of advisory committees and Read More
