Read the latest news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife.
September 2020
The Portland Press Herald celebrates the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act earlier this year, but says the work doesn’t end there.
Poland Spring Bottling Company and the University of Maine have teamed up to come up with alternatives to plastics in Poland Spring water bottles.
Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Are you looking at an electric car? A new Consumer Reports piece shows that electric vehicles cost less to maintain than gas-powered vehicles. So you save money on gas and on maintenance!
The Revelator features NRCM’s staff scientist, answering the question, “Is New England’s Biggest Renewable Energy Project Really a Win for Climate?” *spoiler alert: the answer is no!
If you missed our webinar with U.S. Senator Angus King to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unanimous Senate vote to pass the Clean Air Act, you can watch the webinar here, or see the News Center Maine and WABI-TV news stories to learn more.
Wolfden Resources continues to try to move ahead with its plan for a metal mining operation in Maine’s North Woods, near Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. The latest move is the company’s request to the Land Use Planning Commission to narrow the review process, which NRCM and others think should not happen. Read more in this news story from The County.
Here’s some good news in a Portland Press Herald story, announcing that the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved 17 renewable energy projects (mostly solar) around the state.
Speaking of solar, Saddleback Mountain is looking to build a solar farm, as the new owners prepare for the first winter back for this popular western Maine ski resort.
The cities of Portland and South Portland last week released their plans to act on climate by reducing carbon emissions and working to eliminate virtually all waste by 2050.
Falmouth Council Looks to Recycle Ban on Plastic Bags —Portland Press Herald
Electric Car Charging Station Donated to Presque Isle —WAGM-TV
CMP, Avangrid Spend Dark Money to Drum Up Support for Controversial Power Corridor —Maine Monitor
Here’s some good news about fish passage on the Cobboseecontee Stream in Gardiner.
Read former NRCM executive director and current Maine State Senator Brownie Carson’s recent Portland Press Herald op-ed about the Great American Outdoors Act.
According to new analysis by the Maine Climate Council, Maine’s economy could take a 15% hit by 2050 if no action is taken to address climate change. Read more in this Bangor Daily News news story.
Stephen Kasprzak shares his thoughts about the need for an environmental impact study for Hydro-Quebec’s reservoir dams in his recent Sun Journal op-ed.
August 2020
Solar farm subscribers in Maine can get a break on their energy bills—learn more in this Portland Press Herald story by Tux Turkel.
Last week we celebrated the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
We recently learned that, despite the fact that the majority of Maine residents oppose the proposed CMP corridor, the CMP referendum was struck down by Maine Supreme Judicial Court; it won’t appear on the November ballot.
In more CMP-related news, NRCM CEO Lisa Pohlmann responded to an op-ed that attacked NRCM’s opposition to the CMP corridor in a recent edition of the Portland Press Herald.
We agree with a recent op-ed by Rob Bryan and Jeff McEvoy in which they explain why Maine needs a new Land for Maine’s Future bond.
And finally, hear from a new Mainer who is a student at SMCC and lives in Portland, about the importance of renewable energy benefits for all Mainers: Maine Voices: New Mainer eager to support Maine’s green economy
July 2020
Clean Energy Transition
Shout out to Maine artists Jill Pelto for creating the art on Time Magazine’s special climate action issue!!
Efficiency Maine is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping Mainers save money and reduce pollution! Expanding access to electric vehicles is one of its top goals.
The Portland Press Herald takes a look at the strong partnership between South Portland and Portland to address climate change.
Anti-racist Outdoor Industry
Professional cyclist Ayesha McGowan offers suggestions for building an anti-racist outdoor industry.
CMP Corridor Updates
The Natural Resources Council of Maine appealed the DEP’s permit for the CMP corridor. As NRCM and state lawmakers filed a legal challenge against the illegal leases given to CMP for its corridor proposal, state officials quietly updated them.
CMP and Hydro-Quebec have shattered records, spending more than $16 million so far on their desperate political campaign to defend the beleaguered transmission corridor proposal.
The Secretary of State finalized the wording of November’s referendum to reject the CMP corridor project. Meanwhile, CMP continues to use its army of lawyers to try and block the right of Maine people to vote on the project via referendum.
Plastic-free July
The Bangor Daily News spoke to our very own Sarah Nichols for tips on reducing plastic use, and also the importance of policy change. Sarah was also featured in this Triple Pundit piece!
If you didn’t have enough reasons to reduce plastic use, new research finds microplastics harm lobster.
Oh, and ICYMI, reusables are safe during COVID-19.
Brookies!
Our first inaugural group of Brookie Award winners got some great coverage across the state.
