NRCM news release September 12, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has finalized its aggressive rollback of some of the nation’s most effective clean water protections. For more than 46 years, the Clean Water Act has proved effective at making rivers, lakes, and streams safer for swimming, fishing, and drinking. The 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!
New Rebate Encourages Mainers to Drive Electric
A $2,000 rebate announced by Governor Janet Mills is aimed at encouraging Mainers to chose electric vehicles (EV) as an opportunity to save money, reduce pollution that contributes to climate change and unhealthy air, and curb Maine’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. When combined with federal incentives, Maine residents can now get up to $9,500 Read More
20 Years Ago, Edwards Dam Removal Sparked a Movement for Free-flowing Rivers
NRCM Announces Plans for an Educational Display at the Dam Site NRCM news release July 1, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – Alewives, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife continue their inspirational return to the Kennebec River and its tributaries, 20 years after the Edwards Dam was removed here along the banks of Maine’s capital city. The dam’s Read More
Legislative Session Delivers Historic Wins for Maine’s Environment
NRCM News Release (Augusta, ME) — The Maine Legislature delivered historic wins this year for clean energy and Maine’s environment. With final bills now signed by Governor Janet Mills, Maine residents can celebrate new laws that will help protect rivers and lakes, reduce plastic pollution, boost renewable energy, curb carbon pollution, assist community planning for Read More
Six More Maine Towns and Two Major Unions Vote Overwhelmingly to Oppose CMP Corridor
20 Towns Have Voted to Oppose or Rescind Support NRCM News Release (Augusta, ME) – Six more towns in western Maine have all voted in the past two weeks to overwhelmingly oppose the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project. The United Steelworker’s Maine Labor Council and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local S6, Read More
Collins and King Sponsor Bill to Affirm U.S. Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement
NRCM News Release (Washington, DC) – Maine Senator Susan Collins joined 45 other Senators, including Senator Angus King, in co-sponsoring the International Climate Accountability Act, which would prevent the federal government from using any taxpayer resources to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. The Senate bill follows the passage of the House Read More
Maine Poised to Accelerate Climate Action and Clean Energy Development
NRCM news release (Pittsfield, ME) – Standing in front of a solar array installed by one of Maine’s largest contractors, Governor Janet Mills today signed into law three major renewable energy and climate action bills aimed at reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels and creating new jobs by accelerating the development of clean energy. The Read More
News & Noteworthy — April – June 2019
June 2019 Soaring on Solar The solar bill that our clean energy team has worked on for years is awaiting the governor’s signature after being approved by the House and Senate, as was the expansion of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. Both bills will give a boost to clean, renewable energy in Maine. Big solar Read More
New Laws Deliver Landmark Protections for Sustenance Fishing and Clean Rivers
NRCM news release (Augusta, ME) — Maine’s tribes will receive long-sought water quality protections for sustenance fishing under a bill signed into law by Governor Janet Mills today. Along with an upgrade of legal protections for more than 400 miles of rivers and streams that was signed into law on Tuesday, it will represent the Read More