The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is encouraging Mainers to vote Yes on Question 3 because the Consumer-Owned Utility (COU) model offers our best chance to advance the clean energy transition with the leadership, collaboration, and creativity necessary to keep costs as low as possible. The urgency of transitioning to clean energy couldn’t be 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.
Electric Trucks at Work in Maine Communities
The Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick went electric earlier this year when it launched the Bookmobile, an electric transit van that has been designed to extend library services beyond the central library location. Transitioning to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, like transit vans and delivery trucks, is an important step to reducing air pollution Read More
Mainers Support Clean Cars and Trucks in Maine
News release Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is considering adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules. Today, advocates organized to urge the Board to adopt the life-saving rules. Today, Mainers from across the state spoke at a public hearing in Augusta to urge the Department of Read More
How Stronger Clean Car Standards Will Give Mainers Better Choices
Zero-emission cars and trucks are becoming more common on Maine’s roads, and it’s no surprise. They’re quiet, fun to drive, easier to maintain, save drivers money on gas, and don’t pollute our clean air. These benefits have led to a situation where supply can’t meet the rising demand. That’s why the Natural Resources Council of Read More
Maine Legislature Approves Plan to Boost Offshore Wind
July 26, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — Earlier this morning at about 3:00 a.m., the Maine Legislature passed a historic bill to encourage 3GW of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine while creating good-paying jobs, protecting wildlife, avoiding key fishing grounds, and supporting new port construction. Below is a statement from the Natural Resources Read More
Historic Offshore Wind Bill Advances in Maine
Legislators, the Mills Administration, organized labor, a key fisheries group, and environmental organizations have agreed on consensus language that will advance a major omnibus offshore wind bill in the Maine Legislature. The bill will responsibly develop offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine and encourage new deepwater port construction while maintaining strong standards to ensure good-paying jobs for Maine workers, protections for wildlife, avoidance of important fishing grounds, broad stakeholder engagement, and inclusive community benefits.
Maine Moves Toward Stronger Clean Car and Truck Standards
Maine DEP will consider two new clean vehicle standards that will provide Mainers with cleaner air and greater access to zero-emission cars and trucks. Adopting the standards, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensure Mainers have access to a greater number of models, helping to lower sticker prices and hasten the transition away from expensive and polluting gas-powered cars and trucks.
Bill to Boost Maine’s Offshore Wind Economy Advances Out of Committee
A bill to jumpstart a new offshore wind industry for Maine has been approved by the EUT Committee and now heads to the full Legislature for consideration. LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, will generate a historic investment in affordable and reliable clean energy to power Maine’s homes, businesses, and transportation.
Guide to Federal Funding Opportunities for Mainers
Mainers are eager to do the right thing for the environment in their homes, businesses, and communities. Installing clean energy solutions like solar or heat pumps saves money and reduces pollution. Thankfully, with the recent passage of legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there is a lot Read More
