The state has too much to lose by backing out of a regional agreement to control emissions. Maine Sunday Telegram editorial The height of the tourist season is an odd time to get into a big fight over relaxing Maine’s clean air standards. Millions come here to experience our lakes, mountains and seashore, and they Read More
Land for Maine's Future
Learning about Lobsters
I get to do some pretty cool things thanks to my job at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I met Bonnie Raitt at a concert on the eve of the removal of the Edwards Dam. NRCM was invited to work at a Phish concert (how cool is that?!) in Augusta. I met Senator George Read More
Groups Urge Lawmakers to Refill Land for Maine’s Future Coffers
By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story As lawmakers return to the State House this week, a coalition of organizations and individuals is urging legislators to support a $5 million bond proposal for the Land for Maine’s Future program. Although consistently popular with Maine voters, the program doled out its final $9.25 Read More
Mainers Rally for Land for Maine’s Future
Bipartisan supporters say bond will spur economic growth and conserve natural resources Land Bond Coalition news release AUGUSTA — Heralding the economic benefit of conserving our state’s natural resources, Mainers including fishermen, sportsmen, conservationists, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle called on the Legislature to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program Read More
Land For Maine’s Future Bond Will Face Plenty of Competition on Ballot
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story As bonds go, it’s a small one, just $5 million. But supporters of the bond to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future program said it faces an uphill battle even though polls show most voters overwhelmingly support the idea of preserving wildlife habitat and public access. That’s because the Read More
Land Conservation Priorities Can Be Better Defined
Bangor Daily News editorial The Land for Maine’s Future program committed the last of its money last year. So, as lawmakers consider whether Maine should borrow money to pay for infrastructure and other projects, the lack of money for land acquisition should be a concern. Members of the Appropriations Committee have agreed to a $5 Read More
Investing in Public Land is Good Business for Maine
Lawmakers should not hold bond issues hostage to the governor’s policy priorities. Maine Sunday Telegram editorial A state that prides itself on being open for business ought to know what business it is in. Maine’s No. 1 industry is tourism, so it has an interest in preserving public access to woods, coastline, mountaintops and trail Read More
It’s Time to Borrow to Invest in Maine
Bangor Daily News editorial No state borrowing was put before voters last year, a rare occurrence indeed. But then, Republicans winning control of the Maine House of Representatives, Senate and Blaine House also is a rare occurrence. As the Legislature nears the finish line of this session, Democrats are putting bonds back on the table. Read More
Governor LePage Proposal to Abolish State Planning Office Sparks Fight
by Mal Leary MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage is proposing that the State Planning Office be abolished, and its functions assumed by other state agencies. He wants some of the department’s resources to go to a new Office of Policy and Management but the initiative is drawing concerns from both parties. The first red Read More
