UMaine scientists hope the fish will spawn next spring now that a dam is gone from the Penobscot River. by Patrick Whittle, The Associated Press An endangered species of sturgeon has rediscovered long-inaccessible habitat that could be a key to improving the fish’s reproduction, University of Maine scientists said. The shortnose sturgeon, listed endangered for 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!
Money for Maine Goes Elsewhere When Land Conservation Projects Stall
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial With little explanation, the LePage administration has decided not to pursue federal conservation money the state has used for decades to maintain working forestland while ensuring public recreational access. This move comes after Gov. Paul LePage earlier this year essentially shut down the state’s Land for Read More
EPA Proposes Tougher Downwind Emissions Rules for States
But two resolutions passed by the Senate would block President Obama’s plan to cut greenhouse gases. by Matthew Daly, The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher new limits on Tuesday on smokestack emissions from nearly two dozen states that burden downwind areas with air pollution from Read More
Forecaster Forum: The Importance of Land for Maine’s Future
By Reps. Jennifer DeChant and Jay McCreight The Forecaster op-ed Maine has many positive attributes that make this state a wonderful place to live. One of those attributes, public access to the beautiful land that surrounds us, is something we often take for granted. We sometimes forget that good public policy promoted conservation in Maine Read More
Shame on Maine for Turning Its Back on Conservation
By George Smith Bangor Daily News column My first reaction was sadness. Later, I was ashamed, for our Governor, our state, and ourselves. When the LePage Administration refused to submit any conservation projects to the federal Forest Legacy Program for funding, for the first time in 15 years, we turned our back on a legacy Read More
We Can’t Afford to be Blindsided by Ocean Acidification
A new measure would identify communities at risk if ocean changes were to affect the lobster fishery. By Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, represents Maine’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives Portland Press Herald op-ed NORTH HAVEN — For over 40 years now, I’ve lived on North Haven Island in Penobscot Bay. In my Read More
National Park Advocates Unveil Petition to Maine Delegation
BANGOR, Maine — A group supporting a proposed national park and recreation area in the Katahdin region on Tuesday unveiled a petition containing 13,580 signatures from people around the world who back the idea in hopes of convincing Maine’s congressional delegation to help make it a reality. Speaking at a press conference at the Charles Read More
York Prepares for Start of Plastic Bag Ban
Chamber moves to help businesses By Deborah McDermott Seacoast Online news story YORK, Maine — Now that the first-in-the-state ordinance banning single-use plastic bags has been approved, the town’s business leaders, citizens and officials are shifting gears and preparing for the March 1 effective date. Residents last week approved the ordinance by a vote of Read More
Widespread Support in Maine, Across U.S. for New National Park
Petition Signers in 80% of Maine Towns, 50 States, and 53 Nations News release The petition was signed by more than 13,500 individuals living in 371 Maine towns, all 50 states, and 53 countries. The group also released a list of endorsements from groups, businesses, and individuals, and a compilation of public opinion surveys documenting Read More