The second attempt to overturn the idiosyncratic governor’s veto of a solar policy fix has again failed by two votes. by Christian Roselund PV magazine news story The Maine Legislature’s attempt to mitigate the dismantling of net metering under Governor LePage (R) died yesterday, with a second attempt to overturn a veto of solar policy Read More
State House Watch
Working for legislation to protect Maine’s environment is an essential part of NRCM’s mission for the people of Maine. During the legislative session, we are at the Maine State House, just a block from our office, to work for new safeguards and also to defend existing legislation that protects Maine’s land, air, water, and wildlife.
Maine Legislature Fails to Override LePage Solar Veto
A few extremists voted to keep governor’s extreme anti-solar policies Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Sadly, today, by just two votes, the Maine House of Representatives again failed to overturn the governor’s veto of this year’s solar bill. Today, LePage’s extreme legislative allies again resorted to desperate tactics to thwart the will of the people and this Read More
It’s Not Too Late for Maine to Save the Solar Bill
By Samantha Paradis, Mayor of Belfast Bangor Daily News op-ed As legislators reconsider solar legislation early this week, the Mayors’ Coalition on Jobs and Economic Development stands with Maine people, towns and businesses that can benefit from solar power and supports overturning Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of the solar bill, LD 1444. It is discouraging Read More
Maine Solar Advocates Fail Again to Override LePage’s Veto
For the third year, a bill that would have supported the affordability of solar power among homeowners, and was approved by a majority of lawmakers, died at the hands of Gov. Paul LePage. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – The Maine House upheld Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a Read More
Maine Legislature Fails to Override LePage Solar Veto
Extremism by a few means extreme policies will remain in place NRCM news release Today, by two votes the Maine House of Representatives failed to override Governor LePage’s veto of this year’s modest but critical solar bill, despite the fact that the Maine Senate and House passed the bill by more than a two-thirds super Read More
LePage Looks to Override Local Pesticide Rules in 30 Maine Municipalities. The Question is, Why?
More communities are developing ordinances meant to protect residents from toxic chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. by Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Even though Paul Schlein is a careful, detail-oriented sort, he didn’t fuss over his testimony before heading to Augusta late last month for a hearing on a Read More
LePage’s Bill to Limit Local Control of Pesticide Use Appears Headed for Defeat
It’s the governor’s second attempt at pushing the pesticide policy. by Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill proposed by Gov. Paul LePage that would prevent Maine municipalities from limiting or banning pesticide use appears headed for defeat after a legislative committee voted 9-2 against it Wednesday. About 20 Read More
Opposition to LD 1853, An Act To Ensure the Safe and Consistent Regulation of Pesticides throughout the State by Providing Exemptions to Municipal Ordinances That Regulate Pesticides
Senator Davis, Representative Martin, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government, my name is Ryan Parker and I am the Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 1853. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control lists on Read More
Opposition to LD 1810, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Expedited Permitting for Wind Energy Development
Senator Woodsome, Representative Dion, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology, My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We strongly oppose this legislation, which is one of the Read More
