Business and petroleum groups say they want to explore for more oil and gas to stabilize prices. By Wayne Parry, The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Environmentalists say allowing offshore drilling along the U.S. East Coast from northern Virginia to the Georgia-Florida border could lead to a catastrophic oil Read More
Clean Water
Clean, healthy waterways are vital to our day-to-day lives. They help ensure safe drinking water, suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make Maine a special place to live, work, and visit. NRCM is working hard to protect and restore Maine’s lakes, rivers, and streams, now and for generations to come.
Maine House Overwhelmingly Backs Banning Microbeads
The tiny plastic pellets are in many personal care products but they are not biodegradable and they pass through wastewater treatment filters. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – The Maine House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday in support of a bill that would ban the sale of soap, toothpaste and other Read More
Support of LD 468, An Act to Prohibit the Use of Certain Disposable or Polystyrene Food Service Containers
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify on LD 468. NRCM believes that a strong case can be made for Read More
Majority of Mainers Oppose Weakened Mining Rules
NRCM just completed an analysis showing that Maine people, particularly from Aroostook County, overwhelming spoke out in opposition to the mining rules that were considered during a legislative hearing last week. Those who testified or submitted comments in opposition to the proposed rules at last week’s public hearing outnumbered those in support by 129 to Read More
Overwhelming Opposition to Mining Rules Demonstrated at Public Hearing
NRCM news release On February 25, 2015, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on mining rules (LD 146) which demonstrated that Maine people from all parts of the state oppose weak mining rules. Twenty-four people from Aroostook County testified in person or submitted comments in opposition to the rules. Not a Read More
Controversial Mining Rules Draw Crowd in Augusta
Opponents contend that the Maine DEP’s proposals would not protect the environment but supporters say the rules would strengthen, not weaken, existing regulations. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – The fight over mining returned to the State House on Wednesday as dozens of people urged lawmakers to once again Read More
Irving Aims to Open Gold and Copper Mine in Maine
Tough environmental rules mean it would be the first metal mine in 40 years By Connell Smith CBC News news story JD Irving Ltd wants to build a gold and copper mine in northern Maine. The company has set up a subsidiary, Aroostook Resources, to pursue the project on Irving-owned land at Bald Mountain. President Read More
DEP’s Mining Plan Draws Strong Opposition at Public Hearing
By Mal Leary MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – A renewed effort to overhaul Maine’s mining regulations is re-igniting a fierce debate in Augusta, where lawmakers are considering the Department of Environmental Protection’s plan. A crowd of mostly opponents filled two legislative hearing rooms for a public hearing on Wednesday. But first, there was a Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 146, Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 200: Metallic Mineral Exploration, Advanced Exploration and Mining, a Major Substantive Rule of the DEP
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to LD 146. NRCM believes these proposed rules will not protect Maine’s environment or Maine Read More