Legislators who helped craft a bipartisan, broad-based energy deal ask their colleagues to reaffirm their support. by David Woodsome and Sara Gideon Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — When we truly listen to one another, we can accomplish so much. That’s exactly what happened with the comprehensive solar bill the governor vetoed this week. Here 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!
Overriding This LePage Veto Will Put Solar Within Reach for More Mainers
By Norman Higgins and Sara Gideon, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A technological revolution is taking place in solar power. As solar panel technology matures, prices plummet, installation rates accelerate and new markets and businesses spring up. But Maine hasn’t benefited as much from this exciting trend as other states, even neighbors Read More
LePage Vetoes Solar Energy Bill After Compromise Talks Fail
Advocates will push for an override vote Friday in the Legislature. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a landmark solar energy bill Wednesday, after failed attempts by Democratic leadership to reach a compromise during extensive negotiations. Solar advocates now plan to press lawmakers to override the veto Read More
5 Myths People Hold about Solar Power in Maine
By Sharon Klein, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Maine is poised to make history this week on solar energy. Over the last year, the Office of the Public Advocate has facilitated regular meetings of local businesses, public utility representatives, lawmakers, researchers and citizen action groups to recommend legislation for increasing solar energy Read More
Maine Would Benefit from Solar Power
Gov. LePage’s predictable veto of the genius of home solar net-metering legislation disrespects both science and the majority vote of the Legislature. It should be overridden unanimously. by Paul Liebow Sun Journal op-ed Mainers who can’t afford solar will benefit in the long run, not lose money, because unlimited harvesting of solar power will make Read More
Activists Pushing for Vote on Banning Plastic Bags in Freeport
A Town Council-supported ballot question, meanwhile, will ask voters to consider a minimal fee on paper and plastic bags. By Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story FREEPORT — Activists are pushing for a referendum to ban disposable plastic grocery bags in town, arguing that a different ballot question supported by the Town Read More
It’s the Ideal Time to Say Yes to a New National Park in Maine
by Kate Rush, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Conservation and the economy go hand in hand, especially in Maine. This connection is well-established and easy to see in America’s National Park System, which celebrates its 10oth anniversary in 2016. All around the United States, from the Everglades in Florida to Denali in Read More
National Monument Proposal a Historic Opportunity for Katahdin Region, Chamber President Says
It would be the first step toward the creation of a national park as well as desperately needed jobs. by Gail Fanjoy, president of the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce in Millinocket Portland Press Herald op-ed MILLINOCKET — Many residents and organizations in the Katahdin region support a proposed national monument east of Baxter State Read More
Maine Should Be a Solar Energy Success Story
By Stanley Short Jr., Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The working men and working women of Maine inspire me every day. Our communities and our state are built on their ingenuity, determination and grit. Now there’s an opportunity for them to drive economic development through the production of Maine-made energy. It comes Read More