Clean air is essential for healthy, happy lives. Clean, renewable energy helps ensure clean air. NRCM works for policies and initiatives that will improve Maine's air quality and reduce global warming pollution throughout the state and region.
NRCM’s climate and clean energy work is focused on where we can have the greatest impact: cleaner cars and trucks, clean and renewable energy production, and greater energy efficiency.
Our work in these key areas is critical to reducing health and environmental problems already plaguing our state. These include high asthma rates, more “bad air days,” rising sea levels due to climate change that threaten coastal communities, and threats to our fall foliage, skiing, and our vital tourism-based industry.
NRCM makes certain that Maine's elected officials and decision-makers are kept up to date about information related to climate change pollution, clean energy technologies, and steps Maine can take to ensure clean air.
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
Support of LD 901, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Determination of a Wind Energy Development’s Effect on the Scenic Character of Maine’s Special Places
Good afternoon Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue and I am the Forests and Wildlife Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of NRCM’s 20,000 members and supporters in support of LD 901, “An Act 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
Mainers Formally Petition PUC for Reconsideration of New Solar Net Metering Rule
More than 2,000 Maine residents join request News release AUGUSTA, MAINE—Deeply troubled by the solar rule adopted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) last month, large and small businesses, solar companies, workers, conservation and public health groups, and Mainers who want to install solar filed a formal “petition for reconsideration” today. They were joined Read More
Deep Cuts in Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Have Dramatic Impact in Maine
By Colin Woodard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The budget that President Trump proposed Thursday would have serious consequences across Maine, disrupting scientific research and social services, affecting everyone from unemployed residents to those who rely on the sea to earn their living. If approved by Congress as proposed, the 52-page plan will Read More
Maine Environmentalists Oppose President Trump’s Budget, Policies
Maine environmentalists are up in arms over proposals by President Donald Trump to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and pare fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks. by Steve Collins, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story Lisa Pohlmann, executive director of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said Thursday that the president “has declared Read More
Trump EPA Budget “Declares War on Clean Air, Clean Water, and Public Health,” Statement by NRCM
Statement of Lisa Pohlmann, Executive Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “President Trump today released an irresponsible EPA budget that threatens the health of Maine people, our environment, and our economy. In proposing to cut EPA’s funding by 31% and personnel by 3,200, and eliminate more than 50 programs, President Trump has declared war on Read More
Trump’s Attack on Cleaner Cars Will Harm Maine, Statement by NRCM
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate & Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “President Trump has proposed rolling back pollution and efficiency standards for new cars and trucks. This would be bad news for Maine. “Since Maine has one of the highest asthma rates in the nation, air pollution is a big issue. And Read More
