The measure endorsed by the Legislature’s energy committee calls for a cost-benefit analysis of how utilities pay homeowners and small businesses for the electricity they generate. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that would keep current financial incentives for rooftop solar in place pending a cost-benefit study 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.
‘Tragic Mistake’: Maine Leaders React to Withdrawal From Paris Climate Accord
By A.J. Higgins, Susan Sharon & Mal Leary Maine Public news story The Trump administration’s decision Thursday to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement drew swift reaction from Maine environmental leaders — who denounced the action as a dangerous shift toward isolationism — and members of Maine’s congressional delegation, who were nearly unanimous in their Read More
Trump’s Climate Change Move Draws Sharp Reactions in Maine
by Steve Collins, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story Calling it “a devastating blow,” the head of the Natural Resources Council of Maine denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of an international climate agreement Thursday. Lisa Pohlmann, the environmental group’s executive director, said the move “could jeopardize global efforts to avert the most Read More
Legislature’s Energy Committee Passes Two Solar Bills after House Republicans Abandon Their Own Amendment
One bill directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar for businesses, communities Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee passed two bills: one directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar Read More
Trump Decision to Pull U.S. Out of Global Climate Agreement Deals a Devastating Blow to Maine and the Planet
Statement of Lisa Pohlmann, Executive Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “President Trump’s announcement that he will remove the United States from the historic and vital Global Climate Agreement is a devastating blow that could jeopardize global efforts to avert the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. “Pulling out of this agreement puts the U.S. Read More
Clean Energy: Boost Solar Power in Maine
A solar power revolution is underway around the world—last year in the U.S., the #1 source of new power was solar, exceeding new wind and natural gas capacity. However, Maine needs to play catch up. Maine has an excellent solar resource, but we are missing out on the jobs and clean energy it could bring Read More
Maine Environmental Advocates Warn of “Crippling” Cuts in Trump Budget
One describes the range of cuts as a ‘full-on attack’ on a natural resource-dependent state. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story President Donald Trump has not backed off on a wide range of federal budget cuts and program eliminations that critics have for months warned would devastate Maine’s economy and environment. Read More
In Gov. LePage’s View, No One Has Right Answers but Him
His resistance to a legislative deal on ‘nips’ deposits is just the latest in a long list of policy stances shaped by his gripes and prejudices. Portland Press Herald editorial It should have been a story about how government and industry came together to quietly solve a problem through compromise. Instead, it became another example Read More
Gulf of Maine Will Become Too Warm for Many Key Fish, Report Says
Cod and haddock will see prime habitat areas vanish this century, but lobsters will find new spaces to grow. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story A new study by federal fisheries scientists predicts the warming of the Gulf of Maine will cause a dramatic contraction of suitably cool habitat for a Read More
