Bill to Increase Solar Energy Fails Despite Strong Bipartisan Support Statement of Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Director “It is extremely disappointing that the governor’s opposition to solar energy is holding Maine back on the opportunity for more jobs and cleaner air. His rejection of LD 1252—aided today by his legislative allies in the Senate—means Read More
Maine Economy
Proposed Maine Mining Rules Stir Debate
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story Maine lawmakers are considering controversial new mining regulations that have been approved by the Board of Environmental Protection but face stiff opposition from the public and from a coalition of more than two dozen environmental groups. The rules were drafted by the LePage administration, which maintians that they are based Read More
Maine Lakes at Risk from LePage Administration
Report Documents Damage to DEP’s Lake Protection Efforts NRCM Press Release The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) today released an investigative report documenting damage caused to the State of Maine’s lake protection efforts under the Administration of Governor LePage. Although Maine’s lakes are among our state’s most valuable natural resources, the NRCM report finds Read More
Diamond in the Rough: Our Visit to the Proposed New National Park and Recreation Area for Maine
The NRCM staff took a two-day field trip September 12-13 to experience firsthand the lands belonging to Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. (EPI), east of Baxter State Park, that are being proposed for a new national park and recreation area. In typical NRCM fashion, we braved the ominous stormy forecast, arriving midmorning at Lunksoos Camp. Mark and Read More
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
Warming Winters Threaten Maine’s Outdoor Traditions
“On Thin Ice” Report Details Impacts on Maine’s Outdoor Heritage Natural Resources Council of Maine and National Wildlife Federation Augusta, Maine—Near-record warmth in the winter of 2011-2012 left wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts and the businesses in winter-based sectors scrambling to adapt—and it’s just a preview of what’s to come in a warming world, according to Read More
2011 Environmental Roundtable with Governor LePage
On January 20, 2011, NRCM sponsored a Roundtable on Maine People and the Environment at which speakers presented to Maine Governor Paul LePage their views on why a clean and healthy environment is important for their job, our economy, the quality of life of Maine people, and our state’s future. More than 500 citizens from Read More
Maine Maple Sunday: A Great Tradition Worth Protecting
March 28 was Maine Maple Sunday, when sugar houses across the state opened their doors to the public and celebrated this wonderful family-friendly tradition with syrup-making demos, music, and products – maple candy, butter, cookies, pancakes, even maple tea, and of course, syrup. Typically, the season runs from February to late March or early April. Read More
NRCM Response to Plum Creek Decision
Brownie Carson, NRCM Executive Director “Today’s vote by the Land Use Regulation Commission approving Plum Creek’s massive development plan for Moosehead Lake is deeply unsettling.” “It is unsettling because it may result in a level of future development, traffic, and increased congestion in the Moosehead Lake region that will forever damage one of Maine’s most Read More