An amended proposal shifts the burden of the rescue plan from electricity ratepayers to taxpayers. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers’ effort to bail out Maine’s six remaining biomass energy plants has shifted from a rescue subsidized by Maine electricity ratepayers to one subsidized by Maine taxpayers. After 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.
Lawmakers Disagree on Solar Power Regulations
By Fred Bever MPBN news story Maine’s solar power industry is in trouble – that’s the word from advocates who say Republicans and the administration of Governor Paul LePage are ready to kill efforts to preserve and expand renewable energy here. But some Republicans and LePage’s chief energy advisor say they are trying to find Read More
Lawmakers Should Try to Get to “Yes” on Solar
A compromise plan would boost private investment and create good jobs in Maine. Portland Press Herald editorial One of the best-selling books on negotiating is the 1981 title by Roger Fisher and William Ury called “Getting to Yes.” In it, the authors call for putting aside personalities and entrenched positions, and using creativity to find Read More
NRCM Testimony In Support of LD 1649, “An Act to Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development”
Senator David Woodsome, Chair Representative Mark Dion, Chair 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. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. NRCM has been working intensely for almost a year with scores Read More
Solar Power Bill Faces Key Legislative Hearing
The proposal to pave the way for solar development has the support of utility companies, environmentalists and solar installers, but Gov. Paul LePage’s opposition may doom the measure. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Clean energy advocates and their allies were gearing up on Wednesday to promote a proposed Read More
Legislative Committee Votes Against LePage’s Anti-National Monument Bill
By Nick Sambides Jr., BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The first legislative review of Gov. Paul LePage’s attempt to prevent the creation of a national monument within Maine began badly for him when one of the state’s top environmental attorneys advised that no state law could accomplish the governor’s goal. Read More
Solar Power Compromise Fairly Shares Costs, Benefits
Lawmakers should not miss this opportunity to responsibly expand renewable power. Portland Press Herald editorial Maine lawmakers have a great opportunity to fairly distribute the costs and benefits of solar power, setting a five-year course that would expand use of renewable energy in a sustainable way. That is, if they don’t let politics get in Read More
LePage Opposes Compromise to Rapidly Expand Solar Power
Diverse interest groups back the 12-fold expansion, but LePage’s energy office says it includes subsidies that harm other ratepayers, setting up a legislative battle. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A compromise proposal to boost solar power development in Maine 12-fold over five years is being opposed by Gov. Paul LePage, Read More
LePage’s Bill Aims to Prevent National Monument Status for North Woods
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Plans to preserve large sections of Maine’s North Woods for a future national park could be undermined by a bill advanced by Gov. Paul LePage. The bill targets efforts by Roxanne Quimby and her son Lucas St. Clair, who have held discussions with federal officials that could lead to Read More
