LD 1814, a bill to phase out the sale of mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs in favor of more affordable, energy-efficient, and mercury-free lighting options, became law in Maine. A study by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project shows that the bill could lead to $216 million in utility bill savings statewide by 2050. Maine joins Vermont, Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon as states poised to phase out the sale of common fluorescent lighting.
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!
Maine Tribes and Leading Environmental Organizations Join Forces to Oppose Proposed Mine in Shadow of Katahdin
June 28, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — Two Tribes in Maine today joined forces with leading environmental groups and a national public interest environmental law organization to oppose a proposed mine that would be located in the shadow of Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
Greg LeClair Honored with National Conservation Young Leader Award
National Wildlife Federation news release RESTON, Va. (June 22, 2023) — Greg LeClair, founder and lead organizer of Maine Big Night, is the recipient of the National Conservation Young Leader Award from the National Wildlife Federation. The award recognizes LeClair for his tireless dedication to protecting wildlife through innovative solutions and collaboration throughout Maine. Greg Read More
News & Noteworthy — April – June 2023
Every month, we highlight news stories and opinion pieces related to Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. We update News & Noteworthy weekly with the latest news related to the nature of Maine, including the work of staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. June 2023 The National Wildlife Federation honored Greg LeClair this Read More
Maine Moves Toward Stronger Clean Car and Truck Standards
Maine DEP will consider two new clean vehicle standards that will provide Mainers with cleaner air and greater access to zero-emission cars and trucks. Adopting the standards, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensure Mainers have access to a greater number of models, helping to lower sticker prices and hasten the transition away from expensive and polluting gas-powered cars and trucks.
Senators Collins and King Back Bipartisan Bill to Help Maine’s At-Risk Wildlife
National Wildlife Federation and Natural Resources Council of Maine news release Senator Angus King has joined Senator Susan Collins in cosponsoring a bipartisan wildlife conservation bill, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, that will inject $11.5 million into Maine annually to help at-risk wildlife species. “The federal government plays a critical role in protecting threatened and endangered Read More
Bill to Boost Maine’s Offshore Wind Economy Advances Out of Committee
A bill to jumpstart a new offshore wind industry for Maine has been approved by the EUT Committee and now heads to the full Legislature for consideration. LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, will generate a historic investment in affordable and reliable clean energy to power Maine’s homes, businesses, and transportation.
Legislation to Modernize Maine’s Bottle Bill Passes Unanimously Out of Committee
A bipartisan bill to modernize Maine’s popular beverage container redemption program was passed unanimously by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee yesterday. The vote came on the same day the Bottle Bill celebrated its 45th anniversary as the state’s most effective litter prevention and recycling program. “Maine’s Bottle Bill is a big part of our Read More
Offshore Wind Industry to Provide Massive Benefits to Economy, Climate in Maine
Environmental, labor groups advocate for clean energy development, responsible offshore wind industry in LD 1895 public hearing News release of: Maine Audubon, Maine Labor Climate Council, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Union of Concerned Scientists, Maine Conservation Voters, Maine Climate Action Now, Iron Workers Local 7, Laborers’ International Union Local 327 A winning coalition of Read More
