Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I reside in Hallowell. I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 20,000 members and supporters. NRCM strongly opposes LD 1040, 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.
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
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
Gov. Paul LePage to Testify Against National Monument
by Michael Shepherd Bangor Daily News news story printed on sunjournal.com Gov. Paul LePage is planning another trip to Washington, D.C. This time, it’s about the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The Republican governor told WGAN on Thursday he’s going in April or May to testify before a congressional committee that former President Barack Obama Read More
Support of LD 922, An Act Directing the Commissioner of Marine Resources To Investigate the Conditions of Sheepscot Pond Related to a Management Plan for Anadromous Fish
Senator Maker, Representative Kumiega, and members of the Marine Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 20,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of LD 922, which would reopen Read More
Green Power Advocates Press Regulators to Adopt Solar-friendly Rules
by Steve Collins, staff writer Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — Solar power advocates are asking Maine utility regulators to reconsider a recent ruling they say will crimp the growth of a much-needed new energy source. A coalition of critics filed a formal petition Tuesday with the Maine Public Utilities Commission calling on it to 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
Dozens Fight Back Over Maine’s Proposed Mining Rules
By Anthony Brino, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Dozens of Mainers showed up in Augusta on the first day of spring with a familiar message for members of the Legislature: open pit metal mining is too risky for Maine. More than 40 citizens, plus additional representatives from environmental groups, voiced their opposition to Read More
