By Alanna Durkin, Associated Press Boston Globe news story AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A proposed overhaul of Maine’s mining regulations made its way to state lawmakers on Monday as supporters and critics remain deeply divided over whether expanded metallic mining is the answer to Maine’s economic problems or will result in the demise of the natural Read More
Bald Mountain
Fiery Debate Continues Over Proposed Maine Mining Rules
Business groups and the LePage administration see economic opportunity, but others fear heavy pollution, including near J.D. Irving’s Bald Mountain. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The battle over revitalizing metal and mineral mining in Maine continued Monday at the State House, setting the stage for a vote in Read More
Mining Bill Debate Centers on Jobs vs. Environment
by Chris Fachinni WCSH-6 news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Are proposed updates to Maine’s mining laws a pathway to economic prosperity in parts of the state that need it badly, like Aroostook County or are they too weak to protect our prized natural resources from harm? That’s is what state lawmakers on the Read More
Proposed Maine Mining Rules Stir Debate
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story Maine lawmakers are considering controversial new mining regulations that have been approved by the Board of Environmental Protection but face stiff opposition from the public and from a coalition of more than two dozen environmental groups. The rules were drafted by the LePage administration, which maintians that they are based Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1772: Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 200: Metallic Mineral Exploration, Advanced Exploration and Mining, a Late-filed Major Substantive Rule of the DEP
Good morning Senator Boyle, Representative Welsh, and members of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. I am testifying on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in opposition to LD 1772. NRCM believes these draft rules will not protect Maine’s environment or Maine taxpayers from the risks of metal mining in sulfide Read More
Repeal Mining Law; Don’t Mine Bald Mountain
by Jody Spear Bangor Daily News op-ed It pays to take notes at public hearings held by state regulatory boards. Scribes who stayed for the entire day were able to fill volumes on Oct. 17, when dozens of people came before the Board of Environmental Protection to register concerns about new rules proposed expressly to Read More
Many Testify Against Revising Maine Mining Rules
But those who speak in support of easing the standards say the changes would create jobs. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A proposal to rewrite state regulations to streamline the permitting process for open-pit mining met with skepticism and impassioned opposition from scores of people who turned out Read More
NRCM Testimony on Draft Chapter 200 Metallic Mineral Mining Rules
Chairman Foley and Members of the Board of Environmental Protection: My name is Nick Bennett. I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) and I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to the draft Chapter 200 Metallic Mineral Mining Rules. NRCM believes these draft rules will not protect Read More
Mining Bald Mountain Poses High Risks
DEP Failed to Reveal the Risks to Lawmakers and the Public NRCM Press Release The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) today released an investigative report showing that documents in the possession of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but not disclosed to Maine lawmakers or released to the public, reveal that an open-pit mine Read More
