Read the latest news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. December 2020 We start with news about the delay in Maine’s statewide plastic bag and foam bans, which have had enforcement delayed amidst the pandemic. NRCM doesn’t feel that that is necessary or a good idea Read More
climate change
Regional Transportation Funding Initiative Will Help Mainers Lead Healthier Lives
Maine’s recently released Climate Action Plan, Maine Won’t Wait, is an exciting step forward in the state’s efforts to strengthen our economy by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050. One of the most important parts of the Climate Action Plan focuses on solutions for reducing pollution from cars Read More
The Climate Aspect of Plastics (and Other Nasty Tidbits of the Cycle)
Plastics! The 1970’s movie, “The Graduate,” talked about the business prospect and the future of plastics. Did anyone at that point in time have any idea how much our use of plastics would grow? Plastics have contributed to the convenience of our lives while also adding to a major pollution problem. Walk through a grocery Read More
Bedrock Environmentalism During a Year at Home
Like many Mainers before me, I first felt the stirrings of an environmental consciousness somewhere between the Roaring Brook parking lot and Chimney Pond. It was a gift to grow up in Maine, where it is easy to live in proximity to natural beauty, and where I often felt that my daily life was well Read More
Maine Climate Action Plan Will Curb Pollution and Hasten Economic Recovery
NRCM news release Augusta, ME (December 1, 2020) — Maine Governor Janet Mills today announced the release of a new statewide Climate Action Plan detailing a series of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The new Plan is the result of more than a year Read More
A Plan to Energize Climate Action in Maine
To reduce the most severe health, environmental, and economic impacts of climate change, the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. That’s the position of the overwhelming majority of scientists, health professionals, and economists across the world, including at the University of Maine. Fortunately for Maine, Governor Mills and a bipartisan majority Read More
Inspiring Hope: Mainers Share Their Climate Action Stories
Acting on climate presents an exciting opportunity to grow Maine’s economy and help Mainers across the state save money and lead healthier lives. The new statewide Climate Action Plan being developed by the Maine Climate Council and due to be delivered to the Legislature on December 1, 2020, will include recommended actions and policies to jump start the clean energy economy and Read More
Maine Takes Its Next Step on the Climate Crisis
On December 1st, Governor Mills is expected to release a new Climate Action Plan that has been under development by the Maine Climate Council for more than a year. This new plan arrives as President-elect Biden is reported to be considering a quick focus on tackling climate change by signing numerous executive orders on the Read More
Working Together to Protect the Nature of Maine
This election has been like no other in my memory. It has been emotional and draining for many of us because we understand at a visceral level that the outcomes will be consequential for years to come. As we continue to watch the results and consider what they mean for ourselves, our families, and our Read More