by Lisa Pohlmann and Brownie Carson Times Record op-ed The possibility that tar sands oil will be pumped through a pipeline across Maine is now on the public’s radar, especially in the wake of the enormous march and rally in Portland on Jan. 26. Press reports on the rally have led many people, including the 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.
Contentious Mining Rules Come Before Lawmakers
By Alanna Durkin, The Associated Press Times Record news story 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 resources that make the Read More
New Large-scale Mining Rules Panned During Hours of Testimony to Lawmakers
by Christopher Cousins, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Long-simmering controversy around new rules for mine operators that proponents say will revive an industrial sector that has been dormant for more than 30 years in Maine continued Monday in Augusta, where the proposed rules finally made it to the Legislature. Judging Read More
Contentious Maine Mining Rules Before Lawmakers
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
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
Maine Mining Rules Get Initial Approval from Board
The new regulations are aimed at boosting the industry, but critics are fearful of creating pollution. by Michael Shepherd Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — In a preliminary vote Friday, a state board adopted a set of rules for metal mines aimed at spurring the industry in Maine, a move criticized by environmentalists who Read More
South Portland Moratorium Allows City Time to Craft Tar Sands Policy
The City Council’s decision recognizes local concerns and the process by which rules are created. Portland Press Herald editorial The narrow defeat last month of the South Portland Waterfront Protection Ordinance didn’t put to rest efforts to keep Canadian tar sands oil from being shipped through the city’s port. Far from it. The day after Read More
South Portland Passes Moratorium on Tar Sands Oil
by Matt Byrne, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — The City Council took its first concrete step Monday toward prohibiting Canadian oil sands from being shipped through the city’s port. The South Portland City Council took its first concrete step Monday toward prohibiting Canadian oil sands from being shipped through the Read More