By Tom Tietenberg Kennebec Journal op-ed Several recent reports, coming from very different perspectives, have made a strong case for the world to take action to diminish the risks posed by climate change. These include the papal encyclical, which makes the moral case; a recent EPA report, which quantifies the economic case; and the report Read More
Governor Paul LePage
Maine AG Kicks Energy Efficiency “And” Rule Back to Regulators
By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Maine Attorney General Janet Mills’ office has returned to utilities regulators a controversial rule limiting funding for state energy efficiency programs, prompting a new rulemaking process. The routine rulemaking step comes after a legislative session that generated political controversy about that specific Read More
Unless Bonds Released, Hunting and Fishing Spots Could Make Endangered List
Our priceless wilderness might be up for bid soon because of Gov. LePage’s unceasing obstinacy. By Martin Grohman Portland Press Herald op-ed About the Author Martin Grohman is a first-term Democratic state representative from Biddeford. BIDDEFORD — I was lucky enough to get a moose permit this year, and I’ve already been scouting in anticipation Read More
LePage’s Land Protection Obstruction May Benefit Wealthy
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial One of the chief complaints Gov. Paul LePage has lodged against a popular state land protection program in recent months is that its benefits accrue mainly to the wealthy. “We ask the taxpayer — which is not the rich people — to sell bonds and give Read More
52 House Republicans Kill the Land for Maine’s Future Program
By George Smith Bangor Daily News column Today legislators had to decide which was most important: the will of the people, or the willfulness of the Governor. Twenty five Senators voted with the people, overriding the Governor’s veto of Senator Roger Katz’s bill to allow bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program to be Read More
Whimper, Not Bang, Ends 2015 Maine Lawmaking Session
By Scott Thistle, LSJ State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — An often tumultuous first half of the 127th Maine legislative session came to a nondramatic close Thursday more than six months after it started — making it one of the longest in recent state history. Beyond a smattering of official sentiments honoring Read More
LePage Prepares Bill to Save Conservation Bonds, but Critics Wary of Motive, Legality
Steve Mistler, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage announced Wednesday that he’s submitted legislation that will extend the lifespan of $6.5 million in voter-approved conservation bonds that are set to expire in November. Details of the proposal are not yet public, however, the administration said the newly drafted bill Read More
Legislature Wraps Up Business with Final Debates
News Center Maine news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — The Legislature on Thursday worked to finally finish business for the year, and adjourn, but not without some last- minute drama. Lawmakers were back in Augusta for a one day session to deal with a handful of vetoes from Gov. Paul LePage. The biggest of Read More
Legislative Override Would Make Governors Accountable to Voters
by David Trahan Portland Press Herald op-ed On June 11, the Maine Senate and House voted by overwhelming, veto-proof majorities to stand with Maine people when it comes to honoring their will as expressed at the ballot box. On Thursday, they should stand firm again. The issue is Gov. LePage’s continued refusal – for unrelated Read More
