A proposal to limit incentives for homeowners is likely strengthened in wake of state and federal election results. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Clean-energy advocates in Maine are seeking a path forward to save a controversial financial incentive for rooftop solar panels, following an election that might make it harder Read More
Governor Paul LePage
LePage Administrator May Have Broken State Law by Silencing Public
by Christine Parrish Free Press news story “I think LMF can survive, but it will take more than the governor leaving. The damage is done. Trust in the LMF process is broken,” said Piper. ” Several people have raised questions about the legality of the procedures at the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) board meeting Read More
Battle Over Maine Solar Energy Policies Continues
by Fred Bever, staff writer Maine Public news story Advocates for expanding solar power’s footprint in Maine turned out in force Monday to call on regulators to preserve policies they say have fostered the industry’s growth. They’re also requesting that any changes be left to the next Legislature. Earlier this year, the state’s Public Utilities Read More
Crucial Battle Over Solar Panel Incentives Goes to Maine PUC
Many Maine jobs are at stake as a proposal to reduce the credits for power fed to the grid from home rooftops is debated at a hearing. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Battle lines are being drawn for a fight over the future of rooftop solar energy in Maine, as Read More
LePage Administration Resurrects Plan to Weaken Mining Rules
by Andy O’Brien Free Press news story No metals have been mined in Maine since 1977, according to the Maine Geological Survey, but the LePage administration is hoping to revive the dormant industry if he can elect enough allies to the Legislature this November. Last Thursday, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) unveiled its third Read More
Opinions Still Split on Tourism in Katahdin Woods Region
By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff Boston Globe news story MILLINOCKET, Maine — It has been a cherished land for so long, the majestic Katahdin woods overlooking this old paper mill town, the streams and the East Branch Penobscot River, the trails and turns that provide sweeping views of the fabled Mount Katahdin. Now the Read More
Obama Designates 87,500 Acres in Maine as National Monument
By Richard Pérez-Peñaaug New York Times news story President Obama turned a vast stretch of Maine woods into the nation’s newest federal parkland on Wednesday, siding with conservationists in a dispute over government control of land in a state that has long been averse to intrusion from Washington. Mr. Obama designated more than 87,500 acres, Read More
Maine Land From Burt’s Bees Founder is New National Monument
By David Sharp news writer The Associated Press news story President Barack Obama on Wednesday created a new national monument in northern Maine on 87,000 acres donated by the founder of Burt’s Bees, fulfilling conservationist Roxanne Quimby’s goal of gifting the land during the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The Katahdin Woods and Read More
Maine Looks Again at Overhauling Mining Regulations
By Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is once again proposing a major rewrite of the state’s metallic mining regulations, reviving a controversial issue that failed twice in the Legislature during the past two years. DEP officials said the proposed rules are needed to address inconsistencies Read More
