A few extremists voted to keep governor’s extreme anti-solar policies Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Sadly, today, by just two votes, the Maine House of Representatives again failed to overturn the governor’s veto of this year’s solar bill. Today, LePage’s extreme legislative allies again resorted to desperate tactics to thwart the will of the people and this Read More
Governor Paul LePage
It’s Not Too Late for Maine to Save the Solar Bill
By Samantha Paradis, Mayor of Belfast Bangor Daily News op-ed As legislators reconsider solar legislation early this week, the Mayors’ Coalition on Jobs and Economic Development stands with Maine people, towns and businesses that can benefit from solar power and supports overturning Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of the solar bill, LD 1444. It is discouraging Read More
Maine Solar Advocates Fail Again to Override LePage’s Veto
For the third year, a bill that would have supported the affordability of solar power among homeowners, and was approved by a majority of lawmakers, died at the hands of Gov. Paul LePage. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – The Maine House upheld Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a Read More
Maine Legislature Fails to Override LePage Solar Veto
Extremism by a few means extreme policies will remain in place NRCM news release Today, by two votes the Maine House of Representatives failed to override Governor LePage’s veto of this year’s modest but critical solar bill, despite the fact that the Maine Senate and House passed the bill by more than a two-thirds super Read More
LePage Looks to Override Local Pesticide Rules in 30 Maine Municipalities. The Question is, Why?
More communities are developing ordinances meant to protect residents from toxic chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. by Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Even though Paul Schlein is a careful, detail-oriented sort, he didn’t fuss over his testimony before heading to Augusta late last month for a hearing on a Read More
Massachusetts Drops NH Transmission Proposal; Top Pick Shifts to Power Line Across Maine
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Project Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Unfortunately, after making the wise choice to reject the flawed New Hampshire Northern Pass proposal, the Massachusetts selection committee has selected a nearly identical proposal from Central Maine Power (CMP). “New Hampshire officials rejected the Northern Pass proposal because of Read More
LePage’s Bill to Limit Local Control of Pesticide Use Appears Headed for Defeat
It’s the governor’s second attempt at pushing the pesticide policy. by Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill proposed by Gov. Paul LePage that would prevent Maine municipalities from limiting or banning pesticide use appears headed for defeat after a legislative committee voted 9-2 against it Wednesday. About 20 Read More
Maine House Joined the Senate in Voting Overwhelmingly to Support Solar Bill
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Project Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “We thank and congratulate the Maine House for giving its overwhelming support to a common sense solar bill that protects consumers, creates jobs, and expands opportunities for community solar. With its vote of 106-38, the Maine House of Representatives showed Read More
Law Keeping Maine as Part of RGGI Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature
Mainebiz news story A bill passed unanimously by the Maine Legislature to remain part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative through 2030 became law without the governor’s signature. LD 1657, “An Act To Update the Allowance Budget for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative,” was prepared by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection after nine Northeast Read More