The end of 2023 is fast approaching, and with it, the final opportunity for the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) to vote in favor of clean cars standards that would get more Mainers into affordable electric vehicles and dramatically reduce air pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. The Fifth National Read More
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive and cheaper to fuel. The cars are not just good for the people driving them though. More Mainers driving electric cars benefits everybody else in Maine, too. They are better for Maine’s environment, economy, and energy independence than gas-powered cars.
While there are plug-in electric cars that are fully electric, you can also find plug-in electric cars that take some gasoline as well to extend their range of travel. Our electricity mix here in Maine is one of the cleanest in the country, and that makes plug-in electric cars far more environmentally friendly than even the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid car.
Electric Trucks at Work in Maine Communities
The Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick went electric earlier this year when it launched the Bookmobile, an electric transit van that has been designed to extend library services beyond the central library location. Transitioning to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, like transit vans and delivery trucks, is an important step to reducing air pollution Read More
August 17, 2023: Rev up for Clean Cars: Public Hearing, Augusta
We’re pushing Maine to adopt stronger standards for clean cars and trucks that would give more Mainers the freedom to choose non-polluting cars. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection held a public hearing on these rules on Thursday, August 17th at 8:30 a.m. Public support of clean cars at the hearing will be essential in Read More
How Stronger Clean Car Standards Will Give Mainers Better Choices
Zero-emission cars and trucks are becoming more common on Maine’s roads, and it’s no surprise. They’re quiet, fun to drive, easier to maintain, save drivers money on gas, and don’t pollute our clean air. These benefits have led to a situation where supply can’t meet the rising demand. That’s why the Natural Resources Council of Read More
Legislative Session Marked by Progress on Clean Energy, Waste Reduction, and Wildlife Protection
Maine’s conservation ethic continues to drive economic growth July 26, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — This year’s legislative session was another demonstration of Maine’s continued leadership on clean energy, with a signature bill that boosts offshore wind and continued momentum on measures that will help achieve Maine’s climate action goals while reducing energy costs, creating jobs, Read More
Maine Moves Toward Stronger Clean Car and Truck Standards
Maine DEP will consider two new clean vehicle standards that will provide Mainers with cleaner air and greater access to zero-emission cars and trucks. Adopting the standards, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensure Mainers have access to a greater number of models, helping to lower sticker prices and hasten the transition away from expensive and polluting gas-powered cars and trucks.
LD 1572, Ensure Proper Funding of the Highway Fund by Imposing a Surcharge on EV Registration
Testimony in Opposition to LD 1572, An Act to Ensure Proper Funding of the Highway Fund by Imposing a Surcharge on Electric Vehicle Registration Senator Chipman, Representative Williams, and members of the Committee on Transportation, my name is Josh Caldwell. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Read More
Limits on Tailpipe Pollution Will Deliver Mainers Cleaner Air and More Choices
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today unveiled new stricter limits on tailpipe pollution from cars and trucks that will deliver cleaner air, reduce carbon pollution, and pave the way toward broader adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Maine, according to the state’s leading environmental advocacy organization. The Natural Resources Council of Maine released the following Read More
LD 524, Installation of EV Charging Stations in New Parking Lot Construction
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Josh Caldwell. I am the Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. NRCM has been working for more than 60 years to protect, restore, and conserve Maine’s environment, on behalf of Read More
