by Kate Rush, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Conservation and the economy go hand in hand, especially in Maine. This connection is well-established and easy to see in America’s National Park System, which celebrates its 10oth anniversary in 2016. All around the United States, from the Everglades in Florida to Denali in Read More
Maine Economy
National Monument Proposal a Historic Opportunity for Katahdin Region, Chamber President Says
It would be the first step toward the creation of a national park as well as desperately needed jobs. by Gail Fanjoy, president of the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce in Millinocket Portland Press Herald op-ed MILLINOCKET — Many residents and organizations in the Katahdin region support a proposed national monument east of Baxter State Read More
Maine Should Be a Solar Energy Success Story
By Stanley Short Jr., Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The working men and working women of Maine inspire me every day. Our communities and our state are built on their ingenuity, determination and grit. Now there’s an opportunity for them to drive economic development through the production of Maine-made energy. It comes Read More
LePage Declares 2 Maine Groups ‘Enemies’
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
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
