The city manager says he’s happy to implement ‘Phoebe’s Rule’ banning plastic straws, and hopes that others will do the same. by Julie Pike, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Portland has joined the growing backlash against disposable plastic straws by ending their use in the Clock Tower Cafe at City Hall. The move 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!
Meeting on Transmission Line Project Draws a Crowd
by Ben Hanstein Daily Bulldog news story FARMINGTON – More than 100 people attended an informational hearing held Monday evening on the New England Clean Energy Connect, asking questions about the potential environmental, infrastructural and economic impacts and benefits of the proposed transmission line project. The meeting was organized by state Sen. Tom Saviello and Wilton Read More
CMP Touts Benefits of Power Line Project in Farmington
A public meeting drew about 100 people, many of whom voiced opposition with signs and stickers against the project. by Rachel Ohm, Staff Writer Central Maine newspapers news story FARMINGTON — About 100 people gathered at Mt. Blue High School Monday night to ask questions of Central Maine Power Co. officials about a proposed Quebec-to-Massachusetts Read More
Enemies Line Up to Fight Power Line Project Through Maine
By Jon Chesto, Globe Staff Boston Globe news story Does the Baker administration have another Northern Pass on its hands? Northern Pass, of course, was the controversial power line project picked in January to draw hydroelectricity here from Canada. New Hampshire regulators quickly ended that. A backup plan — a 145-mile power line through western Read More
The Passing of the Honorable Nathaniel P. Reed
Lisa Pohlmann, CEO of Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) announced today, “It is with great sadness that I report NRCM has lost one of our very good friends. The Honorable Nathaniel P. Reed passed away yesterday after an accident while fishing in Canada. Nat was a 20-year member of NRCM and a generous supporter, Read More
Next EPA Chief Must Clean Up Pruitt’s Mess
He transformed the agency from one informed by science into one dominated by industry. Portland Press Herald editorial In a letter more appropriate for a vassal than a Cabinet member, Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, resigned last week, finally overcome by a torrent of scandals. But before he used the EPA as Read More
In Need of Electricity, Massachusetts Looks to the North—Again
Some in Maine push back on plans to transmit hydropower from Quebec, after New Hampshire rejected the idea By Jon Kamp Wall Street Journal news story BOSTON—Massachusetts is again testing its northern neighbors’ willingness to help meet its growing need for electricity. Central Maine Power Co. wants to build a $950 million, 145-mile transmission line deep Read More
Environmentalists Applaud Pruitt’s Resignation, but Worry about the Future of the Agency
By Susan Sharon Maine Public news story Environmental groups in Maine are applauding the resignation of embattled Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt. President Trump announced Pruitt’s resignation in a tweet Thursday. Pruitt has been under scrutiny for his travel spending, security costs, dealings with industry lobbyists and alleged misuse of government resources. He had Read More
Scott Pruitt Resigns as EPA Administrator; NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King to Support a Clean Start for EPA
Statement of the Natural Resources Council of Maine “It is good that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned today. From day one, Pruitt was unfit to serve as EPA administrator, and has worked to harm to Maine’s environment by rolling back life-saving protections for our air and water and cozying up to industry lobbyists Read More