By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage used an address to the Maine GOP convention over the weekend to attack what he says are the greatest enemies to prosperity in the state: the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Maine People’s Alliance. Representatives of the environmental and progressive advocacy organizations responded by Read More
Maine Economy
Brook Trout Make Maine World-class Fishing Destination
The wild and native fish are a vital natural resource that provide an economic boost to the state. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Robert and Teresa Proctor of Atlanta have fished in New Zealand, Alaska, Chile, Belize and the Amazon. But every summer they travel to Libby Camps in Aroostook Read More
Jobs at Risk in Legislature’s Decision on Solar Energy Bill
In Pittsfield, a solar installer who has hired 10 local residents braces for the impact on his business, and maybe on his home town By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story PITTSFIELD — Solar-electric modules, inverters and heat pumps are stacked on the floor of what once was a convenience store. Long Read More
Maine Biomass Bailout Would Tap $13.4 Million in Public Funds
An amended proposal shifts the burden of the rescue plan from electricity ratepayers to taxpayers. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers’ effort to bail out Maine’s six remaining biomass energy plants has shifted from a rescue subsidized by Maine electricity ratepayers to one subsidized by Maine taxpayers. After Read More
LePage and His Legislative Allies are Pushing Amendments that Could Kill Maine’s Solar Industry
Their Actions Could Cost as Many Jobs as the Madison Mill Closure News Release by Maine Association of Building Efficiency Professionals At a State House news conference today, leaders of solar companies across Maine decried the attack on their industry by Governor LePage and his allies, including House Minority Leader Ken Fredette. In the wake Read More
Lawmakers Should Try to Get to “Yes” on Solar
A compromise plan would boost private investment and create good jobs in Maine. Portland Press Herald editorial One of the best-selling books on negotiating is the 1981 title by Roger Fisher and William Ury called “Getting to Yes.” In it, the authors call for putting aside personalities and entrenched positions, and using creativity to find Read More
Angus King Asks National Park Service Director to Visit Katahdin Region
By Nick Sambides Jr., BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Angus King wants the National Park Service’s leader to hear what Katahdin region residents have to say about a proposed North Woods national monument, he said Friday. King wrote Director Jonathan B. Jarvis that while President Barack Obama has the Read More
NRCM Testimony In Support of LD 1649, “An Act to Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development”
Senator David Woodsome, Chair Representative Mark Dion, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. NRCM has been working intensely for almost a year with scores Read More
National Park a Great Opportunity for Katahdin Region, State
We and our elected officials should be jumping at the chance to link two powerful, attractive brands: Maine and National Parks. By Adam Lee of Cumberland, president of Lee Auto Malls Maine Sunday Telegram op-ed If you were driving cross country and your Jeep broke down, would you call the Jeep dealership or Frank’s car repair? If Read More