by Seth Koenig, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Damariscotta River oyster farmer Bill Mook said on May 9 of last year, the average daily amount of carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere crossed the 400-parts-per-million threshold. The last time humans encountered carbon dioxide levels that high, they were just evolving 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!
Report: Oil Industry Plans to Pump Refined Tar Sands to Maine
Disregarding Public Opposition, Threatening Progress on Climate Change News Release Portland, Maine—Unless we act to stop it, Maine motorists may soon be filling their tanks with gasoline derived from Canadian tar sands, according to a new report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The oil industry plans to start pumping refined tar sands gasoline Read More
Maine Bill Aims to Boost Solar Power Development
by Patty B. Wight MPBN radio news story The heat of the sun may seem far away on this bitterly cold day. But it was the focus of debate in the Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee. A new bill aims to make solar power more affordable and accessible for Mainers. But opponents question the push Read More
Maine Mining Rules Get Initial Approval from Board
The new regulations are aimed at boosting the industry, but critics are fearful of creating pollution. by Michael Shepherd Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — In a preliminary vote Friday, a state board adopted a set of rules for metal mines aimed at spurring the industry in Maine, a move criticized by environmentalists who Read More
Board of Environmental Protection Unanimously Approves New Maine Mining Rules
by Whit Richardson, staff writer Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Board of Environmental Protection on Friday afternoon voted 5-0 to approve new mining rules that govern metallic mining operations in the state. At issue are detailed rules developed by the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with LD 1853, new mining Read More
Maine Should Lead Washington on Climate Policy
by Peter Mills and Sharon S. Tisher Bangor Daily News op-ed It is fortunate for all 7 billion people on Earth that humans are finally learning new ways to produce and use energy. Examples are legion: hybrid cars, LED light bulbs, more economical wind, solar and hydropower, super-insulated buildings and fiber-optic communications to reduce physical Read More
Baxter State Park Authority Accepts 43-acre Katahdin Lake Easement
by John Holyoke, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story The Baxter State Park Authority on Monday voted to accept a conservation easement on an historic 43-acre lot that includes 500 feet of shore frontage on Katahdin Lake. The easement was granted by the James Sewall family, which offered an unconditional gift of various conservation Read More
Clam Diggers Can’t Weather Climate Change
Invasive green grabs are eating shellfish on which a $55 million industry depends. by Sara Randall Maine Sunday Telegram editorial FREEPORT — Clam diggers rely on a healthy marine environment in order to provide nourishing whole food to citizens and contribute to the economy. However, the ability of Maine’s diggers to continue their livelihood is Read More
How to Prepare for Maine’s Next Big, Windy Industry
Bangor Daily News editorial One day, there will be an offshore wind energy industry in the United States. Maine can either prepare for it now — by fostering a stable environment for related business, technology and education growth — or lose later. New industries with potential to create thousands of jobs do not come to Read More
