Despite what deniers continue to wrongly promote, we know that climate change is real, and that the level of carbon humans are spewing into the atmosphere is the primary cause of it. The Natural Resources Council of Maine and our friends at places like National Audubon work very hard to also make the point that Read More
climate change
Listening to Migratory Birds for a Deeper Connection to the Natural World
Animal migrations are a natural marvel. Seeing the departure and return of birds, like sandpipers, puffins, and a number of songbirds and waterfowl, to and from Maine every year is a joyful way to mark the seasons. But have you ever considered making the journey yourself to take in the sights and sounds of a Read More
Supreme Court Replacement Could Impact Bedrock Environmental Protections
“People threatened or injured by public health and environmental harms depend on access to the courts to redress those harms. This is a pillar of the American justice system.” – Environmental Defense Fund “We need Justices who will make sure our courts remain a place where science and the law beat corruption and privilege.” — Read More
We All Need Clean Air and a Healthy Climate
As I sat down to write this post, I had other topics in mind, public lands, trail networks, or adventuring locally this summer, all things that I have more of a background in. Yet looking out at a sunset dimmed by the haze of the wildfires raging on the West Coast, it’s hard to not Read More
Solar Projects Will Advance a Clean, Affordable Energy Future for Maine
In late September 2020 the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved 17 Maine-based renewable energy projects that are expected to generate more than 535 MW of electricity, support 450 construction and 30 permanent jobs, and reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 500,000 tons per year. The PUC’s action was the largest procurement Read More
On 50th Anniversary of Unanimous Clean Air Vote, A Call for Bipartisan Climate Action
NRCM news release Augusta, ME (September 22, 2020) — On the 50th anniversary of a unanimous 1970 U.S. Senate vote to pass the Clean Air Act, Maine Independent Senator Angus King today joined clean air, public health, and climate experts at an event co-hosted by the Natural Resources Council of Maine to call for that Read More
Climate Action Needs Bipartisan Spirit of Original Clean Air Act
Maine Senator Edmund Muskie helped redefine public health and the modern environmental movement through the passage of the Clean Air Act. This legislation passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate (73-0) on September 22, 1970, and nearly unanimously (374-1) in the U.S. House. Senator Mitchell guided the committee process on the Clean Air Act Amendments, which Read More
News & Noteworthy — July – September 2020
Read the latest news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. September 2020 The Portland Press Herald celebrates the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act earlier this year, but says the work doesn’t end there. Poland Spring Bottling Company and the University of Maine have teamed up Read More
How Climate Change is Impacting Maine’s Forests & Industries that Depend on Them
Research compiled by scientists at the University of Maine (UMaine) and the Maine Climate Council’s Scientific and Technical Committee makes clear that Maine’s beloved forests will likely look different in the future. Your kids and grandkids may find maple syrup, holiday trees, and powder days harder to come by when they’re grown. Predictions aside, the Read More