Senator Mark Lawrence, Chair Representative Seth Berry, 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 (NRCM). Because I was away for the public hearing, I am offering this written testimony in support of the sentiment Read More
Maine Legislature
The Natural Resources Council of Maine reviews every bill being considered by the Maine Legislature to determine which ones deserve support and which ones should be opposed based on their potential impact on Maine’s environment. Read more about the bills we are following and taking action on.
Governor Mills Proposes Bold Climate Action Bill
NRCM Statement Praises Mills’ Leadership on Climate NRCM news release April 30, 2019 (Augusta, ME) — Maine Governor Janet Mills today announced a climate action bill with lead sponsor Senator David Woodsome (R-York) that, if enacted, could be the most significant climate-related policy measure adopted in Maine since 2003. The bill would direct Maine to Read More
New Law Protects Freshwater Lakes and Rivers from Septic Pollution
NRCM applauds action to ensure clean water for drinking, recreation, and wildlife NRCM news release April 23, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – A bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Janet Mills and sponsored by Representative Jessica Fay (D-Raymond) will help protect Maine lakes and rivers from pollution due to leaking septic systems. Malfunctioning septic systems Read More
Conservationists, Grocers, and Retailers Join Forces to Support a Statewide Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags
Proposed bill receives legislative hearing Wednesday, April 24 News release by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Retail Association of Maine, and the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association April 23, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – A bill that would address the growing plastic pollution problem by banning the use of single-use plastic shopping bags statewide Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of Three Bills, LDs 1383, 1363, and 271, Regarding CMP Corridor
Senator Mark Lawrence, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology Testimony in Support of: LD 1383, “An Act to Amend Maine’s Municipal Land Use and Eminent Domain Laws Regarding Transmission and Distribution Utilities” LD 1363, “An Act Regarding Energy Transmission Corridors” LD 271, “An Act Regarding a Transmission and Read More
Repeal of Gross Metering a Boost for Clean Energy in Maine
NRCM news release Augusta, ME – Governor Janet Mills today signed into law the repeal (LD 91) of an anti-solar gross metering policy enacted by her predecessor to stifle the development of solar energy in Maine. The change was heralded by the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) as an important first step in moving Read More
Statewide Poll Shows Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor
As DEP/LUPC public hearings begin, 65% of Mainers oppose the project NRCM news release Augusta, ME – The vast majority of registered Maine voters are firmly opposed to Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed electricity corridor project, according to a new statewide poll conducted by the Portland-based research firm Critical Insights. The survey shows that 65% Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 544, An Act To Create Extended Producer Responsibility for Post-consumer Waste Generated from the Use of Tobacco Products
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 544, which is part of a Read More
Dozens Weigh In on Whether to Study Greenhouse Gas Impact of CMP Power Line
Supporters are skeptical that Central Maine Power’s proposal for a 145-mile transmission line connecting Quebec with Massachusetts will reduce emissions of gases tied to climate change. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Opponents of Central Maine Power’s proposal to build a high-voltage transmission line through Maine urged lawmakers to Read More