By Nick McCrea, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A pipeline company and a water freight organization have filed suit against the city of South Portland, arguing an ordinance effectively banning the shipment of tar sands, or oil sands, from its waterfront violates their constitutional rights. The ordinance passed last 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!
Protect South Portland, Others Will Intervene in PPLC Suit Against City of South Portland
Protect South Portland news release South Portland—Portland Pipe Line Corp. filed suit against the City of South Portland today over the City’s landmark Clear Skies Ordinance, which was passed 6-1 by the City Council at the end of July. “We’re disappointed, to say the least,” said MJ Ferrier, spokeswoman for Protect South Portland, the several Read More
Portland Pipe Line Sues South Portland Over Ban on Loading Crude Oil
Adopted last summer, the city’s ordinance aims to prevent the flow of tar sands oil into Maine. By Edward D. Murphy, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Portland Pipe Line Corp. filed a federal lawsuit against South Portland on Friday, seeking to overturn the city’s ban on loading crude oil into tankers in Read More
EPA Decision: Maine Water Quality Standards Inadequate for Tribal Waters
By Susan Sharon MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – In a decision that is being welcomed as “historic” by Maine Indian tribes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has asked the state of Maine to revise some water quality standards for tribal waters. The decision comes during ongoing litigation brought by the state against the EPA. Read More
Bill to Ban Microbeads in Maine Backed by Both Sides
In a rare alignment, manufacturers and environmentalists join to help the measure sail easily through committee. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A bill that would ban soaps, shampoos and other consumer products containing tiny plastic “microbeads” in Maine sailed through a legislative committee Wednesday after manufacturers and environmentalists made a Read More
Environmental Advocates Push Solar, Energy Efficiency Bills
Associated Press news story AUGUSTA (AP) — Environmental advocates called on the divided Maine Legislature on Thursday to back a series of bill this session they say will expand the use of solar power, help residents cut their heating bills and bolster wildlife protections. The six-bill package outlined by the Environmental Priorities Coalition includes measures Read More
Land, Water, Wildlife to Get Attention from Maine Legislature
This session’s bills address such issues as mining rules, ‘microbeads,’ pesticides, bear hunting, lake protection and disposable plastic bags. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story State lawmakers will grapple with a mix of old and new environmental issues this legislative session, taking up measures that range from a renewed push to Read More
Our Schools Need to Learn to ABCs of Energy Efficiency
It’s disheartening to see how many schools in the state literally burn money using outdated boilers. By Todd Chase Portland Press Herald op-ed GORHAM — It’s January – typically one of the coldest months of the year, and it’s lived up to its reputation. During these bone-chilling days when heating systems struggle to warm our Read More
Legislature Considering Measures to Lower Solar Power Costs
by Mal Leary MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine could increase the use of solar power for electricity, heating and cooling homes under measures before the state Legislature this year. Among the proposals under consideration, allowing more cooperation between individuals to generate solar energy, and providing rebates to lower costs and improve affordability. Advocates Read More