By John Tjepkema Bangor Daily News op-ed As we celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, Mainers should be proud of our accomplishments since its first observance in 1970. U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine was a driving force behind the 1970 Clean Air Act and the 1972 Clean Water Act. Since that time, a wide range Read More
Maine Economy
Report Documents Damage to Maine if Proposed EPA Budget Cuts are Approved
NRCM news release Augusta, Maine – The Trump Administration has proposed deep cuts to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs that reduce pollution in Maine, save the lives of Maine people, and strengthen our communities and economy. According to a comprehensive new report by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, the Administration’s unprecedented proposed cuts to Read More
Support of LD 244, An Act To Clarify the Use of State Lands Designated for Conservation or Recreation Purposes
Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in support of LD 244. Metal mining, especially in sulfide ores, is one of the Read More
Opposition to LD 1040, An Act Regarding Permitting Under the Natural Resources Protection Act
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I reside in Hallowell. I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 20,000 members and supporters. NRCM strongly opposes LD 1040, Read More
Dozens Fight Back Over Maine’s Proposed Mining Rules
By Anthony Brino, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Dozens of Mainers showed up in Augusta on the first day of spring with a familiar message for members of the Legislature: open pit metal mining is too risky for Maine. More than 40 citizens, plus additional representatives from environmental groups, voiced their opposition to Read More
Mainers Formally Petition PUC for Reconsideration of New Solar Net Metering Rule
More than 2,000 Maine residents join request News release AUGUSTA, MAINE—Deeply troubled by the solar rule adopted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) last month, large and small businesses, solar companies, workers, conservation and public health groups, and Mainers who want to install solar filed a formal “petition for reconsideration” today. They were joined Read More
Trump EPA Budget “Declares War on Clean Air, Clean Water, and Public Health,” Statement by NRCM
Statement of Lisa Pohlmann, Executive Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “President Trump today released an irresponsible EPA budget that threatens the health of Maine people, our environment, and our economy. In proposing to cut EPA’s funding by 31% and personnel by 3,200, and eliminate more than 50 programs, President Trump has declared war on Read More
Trump’s Attack on Cleaner Cars Will Harm Maine, Statement by NRCM
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate & Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “President Trump has proposed rolling back pollution and efficiency standards for new cars and trucks. This would be bad news for Maine. “Since Maine has one of the highest asthma rates in the nation, air pollution is a big issue. And Read More
DC Trip to Oppose the Pruitt Nomination for EPA Administrator
I own Mook Sea Farm, an oyster farm on the Damariscotta River, founded in 1985. We raise oysters from egg to market size and also sell seed oysters to other East Coast growers. Last month I made a whirlwind trip to Washington, DC on behalf of my company, Mook Sea Farm, to oppose the nomination Read More