Advocates will push for an override vote Friday in the Legislature. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a landmark solar energy bill Wednesday, after failed attempts by Democratic leadership to reach a compromise during extensive negotiations. Solar advocates now plan to press lawmakers to override the veto 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.
5 Myths People Hold about Solar Power in Maine
By Sharon Klein, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Maine is poised to make history this week on solar energy. Over the last year, the Office of the Public Advocate has facilitated regular meetings of local businesses, public utility representatives, lawmakers, researchers and citizen action groups to recommend legislation for increasing solar energy Read More
Maine Would Benefit from Solar Power
Gov. LePage’s predictable veto of the genius of home solar net-metering legislation disrespects both science and the majority vote of the Legislature. It should be overridden unanimously. by Paul Liebow Sun Journal op-ed Mainers who can’t afford solar will benefit in the long run, not lose money, because unlimited harvesting of solar power will make Read More
Maine Should Be a Solar Energy Success Story
By Stanley Short Jr., Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The working men and working women of Maine inspire me every day. Our communities and our state are built on their ingenuity, determination and grit. Now there’s an opportunity for them to drive economic development through the production of Maine-made energy. It comes Read More
LePage Declares 2 Maine Groups ‘Enemies’
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage used an address to the Maine GOP convention over the weekend to attack what he says are the greatest enemies to prosperity in the state: the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Maine People’s Alliance. Representatives of the environmental and progressive advocacy organizations responded by Read More
Jobs at Risk in Legislature’s Decision on Solar Energy Bill
In Pittsfield, a solar installer who has hired 10 local residents braces for the impact on his business, and maybe on his home town By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story PITTSFIELD — Solar-electric modules, inverters and heat pumps are stacked on the floor of what once was a convenience store. Long Read More
Maine Biomass Bailout Would Tap $13.4 Million in Public Funds
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
Solar Supporters Urge Lawmakers to Pass Solar Bill
WCSH-6 TV news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Solar power provides relatively little energy in Maine, but some people want to change that. The legislature is considering a bill aimed at giving solar power a boost. Supporters of LD 1649, or the solar bill, say Governor Paul LePage is spreading misinformation about the bill Read More
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
