Proposals range from easing environmental regulations to enacting a ban on metal mining. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The years-long debate over mining in Maine will return to the State House on Monday when lawmakers consider proposals to either rewrite the state’s environmental regulations or enact a total ban on 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.
Opposition to LD 395 and LD 160 and in Support of LD 820
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to LD 395 and LD 160 and in support of LD 820. Testimony in Opposition Read More
Beverage Industry Backs Bill to Eliminate 5-cent Deposit on Large Bottles
But at a hearing in Augusta, opponents say removing larger containers from Maine’s bottle bill will only place additional financial burdens on municipal recycling programs. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The beverage industry is lobbying to eliminate the 5-cent deposit on larger containers, but critics contend the proposal Read More
Support of LD 469, An Act to Establish a Generally Applicable Regulatory Standard to Address Impacts of Sea Level Change and Increased Storm Surges
My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Climate & Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We appreciate the effort of the sponsor to bring forward this important bill, and thank the members of this committee, including the co-chairs, who co-sponsored Read More
Support of LD 540, An Act to Help Municipalities Prepare for Changes in Sea Level
Senator Paul Davis, Chair Representative Ronald Martin, Chair Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Climate & Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We support this common-sense legislation, which would integrate critical Read More
Fight for Solar Continues Despite Opposition
by Darcie Moore, Times Record Staff Times Record news story The Natural Resources Council of Maine continues to fight for solar-friendly policies at the State House, aiming to reverse a new Maine Public Utilities Commission rule that threatens the future growth of solar power in Maine. NRCM Senior Director of Advocacy Pete Didisheim said at a Read More
Opposition to LD 549, An Act to Recognize Preexisting Uses
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the Forests and Wildlife Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 16,000 members and supporters of the Natural Read More
New Rules Expected to Slow Residential Solar Power Growth, Advocates Say
By Lauren Abbate, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Solar power advocates are concerned that new rules approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission last month, and finalized in an order Wednesday, will slow residential solar power growth in Maine. The rules reduce the credits homeowners receive under state’s net-metering policy for the excess Read More
Environmental Groups to Make Hard Push to Reverse Maine’s New Solar Rules
They say the PUC’s ‘extreme’ changes, which are opposed by the governor for different reasons, will stifle industry investment and were improperly adopted. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Maine’s largest environmental organization pledged Wednesday to “pursue every opportunity” to reverse controversial solar energy rules adopted by the state Read More
