NRCM Statement Praises Mills’ Leadership on Climate NRCM news release April 30, 2019 (Augusta, ME) — Maine Governor Janet Mills today announced a climate action bill with lead sponsor Senator David Woodsome (R-York) that, if enacted, could be the most significant climate-related policy measure adopted in Maine since 2003. The bill would direct Maine to 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 Law Protects Freshwater Lakes and Rivers from Septic Pollution
NRCM applauds action to ensure clean water for drinking, recreation, and wildlife NRCM news release April 23, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – A bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Janet Mills and sponsored by Representative Jessica Fay (D-Raymond) will help protect Maine lakes and rivers from pollution due to leaking septic systems. Malfunctioning septic systems Read More
Conservationists, Grocers, and Retailers Join Forces to Support a Statewide Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags
Proposed bill receives legislative hearing Wednesday, April 24 News release by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Retail Association of Maine, and the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association April 23, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – A bill that would address the growing plastic pollution problem by banning the use of single-use plastic shopping bags statewide Read More
Orono and Foundation Brewing Release “Earth Day” IPAs to Benefit Clean Water in Maine
Release party at Thirsty Pig on Saturday, April 20 from 11AM-7PM News release April 17, 2019 (Portland, ME) — Two of Maine’s top craft brewers, Foundation Brewing and Orono Brewing, are collaborating on a special release of Earth Day-centered IPAs to benefit clean water efforts in Maine. The beers will be released during an event Read More
Maine Lawmakers Urge EPA to Drop Rollback of Mercury Pollution Protections
NRCM news release April 16, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – With final action today, the Maine Legislature has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution calling on the President to direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to drop its planned rollbacks of mercury pollution protections. EPA has proposed scaling back the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Read More
Starks is Latest Town to Join Chorus of Opposition to CMP Corridor
NRCM news release April 11, 2019 (Starks, ME) – Residents of Starks tonight overwhelmingly rejected a motion to support the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project by a vote of 42-14, becoming the latest town along the proposed massive transmission line to speak out against the project. The move by Starks is yet another example Read More
PUC’s Decision on CMP Corridor Deeply Flawed
NRCM news release April 11, 2019 (Hallowell, ME) – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity for Central Maine Power’s (CMP) corridor project. In a statement issued after the vote, Sue Ely, a Staff Attorney at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, called the decision deeply flawed Read More
Repeal of Gross Metering a Boost for Clean Energy in Maine
NRCM news release Augusta, ME – Governor Janet Mills today signed into law the repeal (LD 91) of an anti-solar gross metering policy enacted by her predecessor to stifle the development of solar energy in Maine. The change was heralded by the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) as an important first step in moving Read More
Statewide Poll Shows Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor
As DEP/LUPC public hearings begin, 65% of Mainers oppose the project NRCM news release Augusta, ME – The vast majority of registered Maine voters are firmly opposed to Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed electricity corridor project, according to a new statewide poll conducted by the Portland-based research firm Critical Insights. The survey shows that 65% Read More