Senator Collins, Representative McLean, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM.) Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. NRCM strongly opposes this legislation. The bill would impose an arbitrary and punitive Read More
Cleaner Transportation
Cars and trucks are the primary culprits for air pollution in Maine, and we know that we must electrify our on-road vehicles in order to meet our climate goals. By driving electric vehicles in Maine, people are reducing air pollution that harms our environment, our health, and our economy. Learn ways Maine is using cleaner transportation to reduce climate-changing pollution.
LePage-backed Bill would Slap Extra Annual Fee on Electric, Hybrid Cars
The transportation department says owners don’t pay enough gas taxes to the highway maintenance fund, but environmental groups and drivers say the state should find another way to fill the gap. by Peter McGuide, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The LePage administration is proposing to make it more expensive to own a hybrid Read More
Incentives for Electric Vehicles Provide Alternative to Oil Dependence
By Sean Mahoney, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed As climate change continues to worsen, the price tag from natural disasters and other associated impacts keeps rising. This is a scientific and economic certainty, as recently highlighted by the GAO report issued at the request of Sen. Susan Collins. Unfortunately, the United States’ Read More
Electric-car Drivers, You Can Charge It at L.L. Bean in the Near Future
The retailer in Freeport will soon open Maine’s largest plug-in station to show leadership and promote sustainable practices, and other businesses may take notice. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story FREEPORT — L.L. Bean is completing construction at its flagship retail store on what will be Maine’s largest charging station for Read More
More Maine Companies Explore Car-charging Stations for Employee Use
As more people drive electric vehicles, a charging station at work can attract or retain employees. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story BRUNSWICK — As global car makers ramp up production of vehicles that run on electricity, some employers are considering installing charging stations as a way to attract and retain Read More
Allen and Elissa Armstrong are Driving Toward a More Sustainable Future
By Mary Pols, Staff Writer Press Herald news story These retirees are are loving their new electric Chevy Bolt. First of all, the Chevy Bolt is not technically Allen Armstrong’s car. It’s his wife Elissa’s, but she lets him drive it, all over their hometown of Portland and beyond. She also gave the go-ahead to Read More
Maine Aims to Use $21 Million VW Settlement to Improve Air Quality
MDOT is seeking public input on its website and plans to hold at least 2 public meetings. by Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The state is taking public comment on its plan to spend $21 million to reduce harmful vehicle emissions as part of a federal legal settlement with Volkswagen over Read More
Novel Solar Tracker in South Paris will Fuel Electric Cars – and Hopes for Inspiring Students
Installing the moveable array of panels along a well-traveled road on the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School campus will teach students about renewable energy and generate a higher profile. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state’s first solar array that tracks the sun to charge electric vehicles will be installed Read More
Neither For Nor Against LD 1149, An Act To Provide Revenue To Fix and Rebuild Maine’s Infrastructure and in Support of LD 1150, Resolve, To Establish the Road Usage Charge Task Force
My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM.) Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony on these two related bills. NRCM supports some provisions in LD 1149 and opposes others. We support LD 1150 and have some suggestions for additional considerations Read More
