Susan Sharon Maine Public news story Maine hasn’t had an active mining operation in more than two decades. But last year, Maine’s largest landowner, J.D. Irving Limited, said it would like to explore the possibility of mining for copper, zinc and other metals on land it owns in Aroostook County. In response, lawmakers passed a 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.
Support of LD 1302, An Act to Amend the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act to Protect Water Quality
Good morning Senator Boyle, 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 (NRCM). I am testifying in support of LD 1302. NRCM supports LD 1302 because it would strengthen last year’s mining bill in Read More
Lead Sinker Ban Will Help Keep Loon Calls Ringing Out Over Our Lakes
The proposal will protect the birds from poisoning so that we all can continue to enjoy them. by Ted Koffman Maine Sunday Telegram op-ed FALMOUTH – The call of the common loon is one of Maine’s unique and iconic sounds. It conjures up images of lakeside camps, leisurely swims and quiet fishing time with family. Read More
Raymond Passes Tar Sands Resolution
By John Balentine KeepMECurrent.com news story RAYMOND — Raymond Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night unanimously passed a resolution urging state and federal officials “to ensure the highest level of safety for the citizens of Raymond and the state of Maine” if a project to transport Canadian oil sands through a Maine pipeline moves forward. Read More
Alewives on the St. Croix: A “Mistake” Fixed
Five years later, the policy of blocking alewives was looking increasingly anachronistic. by Douglas Rooks Working Waterfront news story AUGUSTA — By May 1, alewives could have a clear path up the St. Croix River drainage for the first time in 18 years. After a contentious hearing March 25 which lasted almost four hours, the Read More
St. Croix Alewives Measure Clears Key Maine Panel
by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A key legislative committee has endorsed a measure that would open most of the St. Croix River to alewives by the end of this month. The emergency legislation, LD 72, received unanimous approval from the legislators at Monday morning’s vote. It needs final Read More
Bill Aims to Get Lead Out of Maine Loons
It would ban fishermen from using sinkers and jigs made of lead, but some say the move is unnecessary. by Susan M. Cover, State House Bureau Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A former head of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine told lawmakers Thursday that fishermen should stop using lead sinkers and jigs that Read More
Coalition Petitions Feds to Develop Tar Sands Pipeline Safety Standards
Asks USEPA and DOT to Protect Communities from Tar Sands Spills News Release Montpelier, VT; Augusta, ME — Today, citing inadequate current rules, a coalition of hunter-angler, conservation groups, former government officials, and landowners at risk of tar sands spills filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Read More
Safety Standards Sought for Tar Sands Oil Pipelines
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story Several dozen landowners, current and former government officials and conservation groups from several states are petitioning the federal government to develop new safety standards for tar sands oil pipelines. The groups, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Council of Maine, are also asking for a moratorium Read More