But critics contend that even the watered-down bill is unnecessary because municipalities can already adopt ordinances regulating plastic bags. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — House lawmakers passed a bill Thursday that aims to decrease the use of disposable plastic bags and foam food containers but that opponents dismissed 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!
Battered but Still Standing, Land for Maine’s Future Turns 30
by Christine Parrish Free Press Online news story Since 1987, when Maine voters approved the first Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) bond, the program has been working to help protect land of statewide significance from development. Now 30 years old, the LMF program, by most measures, is a success. As of this year, LMF has Read More
Wind Power Foes: Don’t Ruin Maine’s Beauty to Feed “Green Energy” Demands
Although wind energy is supported by many environmentalists, those who oppose development in the Moosehead region feel the reality of wind power would mean no real reduction in Maine By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Wind power opponents near Moosehead Lake are worried that Massachusetts interests are going Read More
Mining is Not Maine’s Future
We won’t get ahead by putting our natural resources at risk. by George Smith Central Maine newspaper column Brook trout are more valuable than gold. That was the substance of my testimony on a slew of bills that would govern mining in Maine. Some would make it easier to mine here, some would make it Read More
Fixing Maine’s Solar Policy
by Peter Simmons of Brunswick Times Record op-ed The ongoing dispute between Governor LePage and solar advocates over energy policy deserves serious consideration and demands swift resolution. Although the Governor believes that solar power raises the cost of electricity and incentives only benefit the wealthy, a wisely designed solar policy will lower costs, result in Read More
President Trump Issues Executive Order Denying Climate Science
Statement by NRCM Executive Director Lisa Pohlmann “President Trump’s Executive Order today rolls back years of climate progress and takes us completely in the wrong direction. His denial of climate science is unconscionable. Today he has put his climate denial into action by attacking the safeguards that protect the health of America’s families. “In the Read More
Solar Sheds Provide Solution for Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Panels
The Pittsfield-Unity partnership provides a more cost-effective option that will get customers a better return, according to the managers. by Madeleine St. Amour, staff writer Central Maine newspapers news story UNITY — Matt Wagner decided one day to stop by an Amish-run business that builds mostly sheds and some tiny homes. Wagner, who lives in Read More
Strong Opposition to Mining in Maine — But It Still Might Be Allowed
by George Smith Bangor Daily News column “God does not come back and rebuild these mountains.” That was the testimony of a Maine tribal leader, in a 6-hour public hearing by the legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee on mining bills. Many strong statements were delivered yesterday afternoon at the hearing. One of the strongest Read More
Solar Advocates Petition PUC to Reconsider Net Metering Decision
The filing is regarded as a likely precursor to a potential court challenge of the Maine Public Utilities Commission that changed the financial incentives for solar energy customers. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – A coalition of organizations and businesses are petitioning the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reconsider Read More
