by Susan Sharon MPBN news story Conservation groups, members of the Penobscot Nation and federal officials are preparing for an historic occasion next week when the first of two dams on the Penobscot River is demolished: the 200-year-old Great Works Dam. One dignitary who won’t be attending is Gov. Paul LePage. Instead the Maine Commissioner 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 Mostly Stand Up Against Environmental Assault
by Lance Tapley Portland Phoenix news story Republican state Senator Thomas Saviello, at one point widely considered a foe of Maine’s environment, may have just saved it. At the least, he was a leader in saving a good part of it. Saviello and a few other Republican lawmakers, dubbed “moderates,” joined with — it almost Read More
Groups Urge Lawmakers to Refill Land for Maine’s Future Coffers
By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story As lawmakers return to the State House this week, a coalition of organizations and individuals is urging legislators to support a $5 million bond proposal for the Land for Maine’s Future program. Although consistently popular with Maine voters, the program doled out its final $9.25 Read More
Land For Maine’s Future Bond Will Face Plenty of Competition on Ballot
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story As bonds go, it’s a small one, just $5 million. But supporters of the bond to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future program said it faces an uphill battle even though polls show most voters overwhelmingly support the idea of preserving wildlife habitat and public access. That’s because the Read More
Land Conservation Priorities Can Be Better Defined
Bangor Daily News editorial The Land for Maine’s Future program committed the last of its money last year. So, as lawmakers consider whether Maine should borrow money to pay for infrastructure and other projects, the lack of money for land acquisition should be a concern. Members of the Appropriations Committee have agreed to a $5 Read More
Investing in Public Land is Good Business for Maine
Lawmakers should not hold bond issues hostage to the governor’s policy priorities. Maine Sunday Telegram editorial A state that prides itself on being open for business ought to know what business it is in. Maine’s No. 1 industry is tourism, so it has an interest in preserving public access to woods, coastline, mountaintops and trail Read More
Mining Bill Passes Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature
By Jen Lynds, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill to change the state’s mining laws has been passed by lawmakers and has been sent to Gov. Paul LePage for his consideration. Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said Monday evening that LD 1853, An Act To Improve Environmental Oversight and Read More
New Version of Takings Bill Would Cut Loopholes
Bangor Daily News editorial Two of the more controversial bills the Legislature has considered this session may have previously unseen ties. That in itself is not sinister, but as is the case with any sweeping change in legislative philosophy, unintended — or perhaps intended — consequences will quickly multiply. The first is the so-called takings Read More
It’s Time to Borrow to Invest in Maine
Bangor Daily News editorial No state borrowing was put before voters last year, a rare occurrence indeed. But then, Republicans winning control of the Maine House of Representatives, Senate and Blaine House also is a rare occurrence. As the Legislature nears the finish line of this session, Democrats are putting bonds back on the table. Read More
