November 15, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — A new rule announced this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at slashing harmful methane pollution will protect clean air and safeguard human health. As part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the U.S. Congress adopted the methane waste emission charge as part of the Read More
air pollution
What the Supreme Court’s 2024 Ruling on Chevron Doctrine Means for Maine
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings on two related cases that are expected to seriously undermine the power of federal agencies to protect clean water, healthy air, and wildlife. The cases challenged what is known as the “Chevron doctrine,” a pillar of the U.S. legal system for 40 years, which holds that Read More
Support of LD 2077, An Act Regarding Customer Costs and the Environmental and Health Effects of Natural Gas
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, my name is Jack Shapiro, and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has been working for more than 60 years to protect, restore, and conserve Maine’s environment on behalf of our 30,000 Read More
Electric Trucks at Work in Maine Communities
The Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick went electric earlier this year when it launched the Bookmobile, an electric transit van that has been designed to extend library services beyond the central library location. Transitioning to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, like transit vans and delivery trucks, is an important step to reducing air pollution Read More
How Stronger Clean Car Standards Will Give Mainers Better Choices
Zero-emission cars and trucks are becoming more common on Maine’s roads, and it’s no surprise. They’re quiet, fun to drive, easier to maintain, save drivers money on gas, and don’t pollute our clean air. These benefits have led to a situation where supply can’t meet the rising demand. That’s why the Natural Resources Council of Read More
Why Limiting Pollution from Dirty Power Plants Helps Maine
Believe it or not, power plants in the U.S. are still polluting the air we breathe, hurting our health, and fueling climate change. Pollution from their smokestacks, particularly those fueled by coal, is one of the main sources of carbon emissions and other toxic pollution that makes our food sources unsafe and can also lead Read More
LD 71, Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 171: Control of Petroleum Storage Facilities
Testimony In Support of LD 71, Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 171: Control of Petroleum Storage Facilities, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection. Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Todd Martin. I am the Director of NRCM Read More
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Limiting EPA’s Ability to Reduce Pollution Will Harm Maine’s Clean Air and Climate
Augusta, ME (June 30, 2022) – Maine conservationists are expressing outrage over a decision issued today by the U.S. Supreme Court to dismantle the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit carbon pollution that is accelerating the impacts of climate change. The Natural Resources Council of Maine, one of the state’s largest and oldest conservation Read More
Tank Farm Emissions Unseen Neighborhood Hazard
My quiet, tree-lined neighborhood in South Portland is called Pleasantdale. But the toxic stench from nearby petroleum tank farms frequently makes our neighborhood decidedly unpleasant. I can step out my door on a beautiful day – be it spring, summer, fall, or winter – and instead of fresh air, get a lungful of what smells Read More
