News release Maine voters have decisively approved (55% – 45%) a first-ever $30 million Maine Trails Bond to repair and expand all types of trails statewide. The successful passage of the bond solidifies Maine’s position as a national leader in outdoor recreation to support local economic growth and expand access for all users. Starting in Read More
Maine Environmental News
Maine environmental news often comes quickly and with little warning. Stay up to date on Maine environment news.
From issues such as climate change, healthy waters, Maine forests and wildlife, and sustainability—and environmental policy that could impact them—you’ll find NRCM’s up-to-the-minute news releases to see our perspective on the most pressing issues facing Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife. This includes findings relating to our role as Maine’s watchdog of activities of state environmental agencies—we stand ready to blow the whistle when regulations are not enforced.
You can also find our news “round up,” News & Noteworthy, which puts the spotlight on media stories that do a particularly good job capturing current news about Maine's environment. We hope you find this part of our website helpful and informative!
News & Noteworthy—October – December 2024
October 2024 NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro is quoted in these stories about the first offshore wind power leases sold in the Gulf of Maine: Boston Globe Maine Morning Star Canary Media Maine Public You can also hear from Jack in this Down East magazine piece about creating an offshore wind port on Read More
Successful Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Lease Sale Kicks Off a New Clean Energy Era
News release October 29, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – A new era for clean energy in New England kicked off today when the federal government announced the results of its first floating offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Maine. Four of the eight available lease areas were purchased by developers, including one in the northern Read More
US Dept. of Energy Grant for Aroostook Renewable Transmission
NRCM Statement October 3, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $425 million in support of a proposal to connect clean, reliable wind energy from Aroostook County to the rest of Maine, as well as the New England electric grid. The project, proposed by Avangrid, must still be selected by the Read More
News & Noteworthy—July – September 2024
Each month, we highlight news stories and opinion pieces related to the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to protect Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. September 2024 Our work to reunite the Kennebec River to protect the endangered Atlantic salmon is the feature of this Times Record story. Learn about the rebirth of the Read More
Latest CMP Reorganization Plan Raises Concerns for Maine Electricity Customers
Advocates Urge PUC to Protect Ratepayers September 16, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — The plan to take Maine’s largest utility private is raising serious concerns about the impact on electricity customers and the role of utilities in helping the state meet its clean energy goals. Iberdrola’s $2.5 billion buyout of public shares of Central Maine Power’s Read More
Sales Notice Posted for Gulf of Maine Wind Projects
News Release September 16, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The federal government today issued its final sale notice for the responsible development of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) notice sets October 29th as the date for its auction of lease areas for building floating offshore wind projects Read More
Vote Yes on Question 4 Campaign Launched to Support Maine Trails
News release Leading voices from Maine’s outdoor recreation, conservation, and economic development communities today launched a campaign urging voters to invest in Maine’s trails by voting Yes on Question 4 on November’s ballot. Question 4 will provide sorely needed funding to repair and expand all types of trails statewide by creating a first-ever $30 million Read More
News & Noteworthy—April – June 2024
Each month, we highlight news stories and opinion pieces related to the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to protect Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. June 2024 The Bangor Daily News wrote an in-depth story about the four dams on the Kennebec River from Waterville to Skowhegan that are blocking spawning grounds for the endangered Read More
