By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage used an address to the Maine GOP convention over the weekend to attack what he says are the greatest enemies to prosperity in the state: the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Maine People’s Alliance. Representatives of the environmental and progressive advocacy organizations responded by 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!
Going Green in the Golden Years
Environmentally friendly retirement communities are sprouting up around the country as retiring baby boomers get serious about sustainability. By Meredith Goad, Staff Writer Maine Sunday Telegram news story FALMOUTH — When Bill and Margot Gatchell come in from sea kayaking, they warm up in a home that’s heated by 14 solar panels. When they want Read More
Leaders Speak Out on Maine Town/City Climate Actions
On Eve of Earth Day, When World Leaders to Sign Historic Paris Climate Agreement NRCM news release Today, standing in the warm sunshine in front of a wood-heated school complex, covered with a large solar electric-producing array, leaders from Maine towns described their actions to combat climate change and move towards a low-carbon, resilient and Read More
Brook Trout Make Maine World-class Fishing Destination
The wild and native fish are a vital natural resource that provide an economic boost to the state. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Robert and Teresa Proctor of Atlanta have fished in New Zealand, Alaska, Chile, Belize and the Amazon. But every summer they travel to Libby Camps in Aroostook Read More
Loon Dies From Avian Malaria, Heightening Climate Concerns
By Nora Flaherty MPBN news story PORTLAND, Maine – The death of a loon from avian malaria on a lake straddling Oxford County, Maine, and New Hampshire is raising concerns about climate change and illnesses transmitted through insect bites. The bird, a Common Loon, died last summer on Umbagog Lake. It’s the first confirmed death Read More
Jobs at Risk in Legislature’s Decision on Solar Energy Bill
In Pittsfield, a solar installer who has hired 10 local residents braces for the impact on his business, and maybe on his home town By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story PITTSFIELD — Solar-electric modules, inverters and heat pumps are stacked on the floor of what once was a convenience store. Long Read More
Maine Biomass Bailout Would Tap $13.4 Million in Public Funds
An amended proposal shifts the burden of the rescue plan from electricity ratepayers to taxpayers. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers’ effort to bail out Maine’s six remaining biomass energy plants has shifted from a rescue subsidized by Maine electricity ratepayers to one subsidized by Maine taxpayers. After Read More
Should Maine’s Biomass Industry Receive Subsidies?
by Mal Leary Maine Public news story Lawmakers in Augusta are considering a bill that seeks to bail out the state’s ailing biomass industry by requiring consumers to purchase higher-priced power from those plants. Supporters say the measure is needed to protect an important industry, but opponents say the market should prevail. Both sides took Read More
Solar Power Bill Offers Bright Step Forward, South Portland City Manager Says
Portland Press Herald opinion piece by Jim Gailey SOUTH PORTLAND — A new creative way to bring reduced electricity costs to all ratepayers and help municipalities invest in sustainable, low-cost energy to benefit residents is currently before the Maine Legislature: L.D. 1649, “An Act to Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development.” Unfortunately, Read More