Gray, ME – Future generations of America’s wildlife and our outdoor heritage are already being hurt by climate change, with urgent action needed at all levels to avoid catastrophic changes, according to a new National Wildlife Federation report. Wildlife Legacy: Climate Change and the Next Generation of Wildlife gives 15 examples of how climate change poses threats 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!
National Climate Assessment Demonstrates Urgent Need for Action
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Director “This major report provides additional clear scientific evidence to match what Mainers are increasingly aware of from their daily lives: climate change is not a far off threat, but something that is already beginning to affect our communities. It shows definitively that we must take action now Read More
Veto of Lake Protection Bill Threatens Maine’s Lakes
NRCM Statement by Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim “Governor LePage today vetoed a bill that would protect one of Maine’s most important natural resources, our 6,000 lakes and ponds that are cherished by Maine people and visitors who come to Maine from around the world. This veto is an insult to the thousands of Maine people Read More
Solar Energy Bill Becomes Law without Governor’s Signature
Marking an Important Step for Maine Energy Policy Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Project Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Governor LePage has allowed a solar energy bill that passed through the Legislature with overwhelming support to become law without his signature. This is good news for our economy, clean air, and Maine’s efforts Read More
Citizen Leaders Stand Up to Protect Maine’s Precious Natural Heritage
For the Kennebec River, Bald Mountain and South Portland, three people are making a real difference. By Lisa Pohlmann Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — This winter, I took my 8-year-old grandson out for an afternoon adventure in the snow-covered woods. We followed deer tracks, talked about the wood duck boxes in the marsh and Read More
Legislature Rejects Weak Mining Rules; Sends Bill to Governor
Statement of Nick Bennett, NRCM Staff Scientist “The Maine House and Senate have given final approval to LD 1772, a resolve rejecting the weak metal mining rules from the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP). The Natural Resources Council of Maine appreciates the work of legislators in both houses to defeat these weak rules that would have Read More
LePage Veto of Solar Bill is Sustained by Maine Senate
Bill to Increase Solar Energy Fails Despite Strong Bipartisan Support Statement of Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Director “It is extremely disappointing that the governor’s opposition to solar energy is holding Maine back on the opportunity for more jobs and cleaner air. His rejection of LD 1252—aided today by his legislative allies in the Senate—means Read More
Without Solar Incentive Program, Maine Misses Energy Opportunity
But a proposed measure would help the state develop plentiful and cost-effective energy solutions. by Sen. Eloise Vitelli Portland Press Herald op-ed ARROWSIC — Mainers want and deserve access to an affordable way to generate power for our homes and businesses. Collectively, Mainers spend an average of $5 billion a year on out-of state fossil Read More
Legislature Gives Final Approval to Bill that Sets Solar Goals for Maine
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today the Maine Legislature gave near unanimous support and final approval to a landmark bill that seeks to increase the use of solar energy in Maine. LD 1652 is good news for our economy, clean air, and Maine’s energy independence because it lays Read More