Mainers say we have a fifth season: the season of all things mud. And thanks to summer temperatures last week and current cold, rainy weather, this month actually feels like we are experiencing each season over the span of just a few weeks. When the spring day rolls around where I find myself outside in a 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.
April 25, 2023 — Zoom in: The Maine Trails Bond
Zoom in: The Maine Trails Bond Tuesday, April 25, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Maine has the potential to be a top-tier state in the nation with multi-use trails that support activities that contribute to our economy, environment, and quality of life. At this webinar, participants learned more about a $30 million trails bond that will Read More
Proposed Mining Legislation and Possible Amendments to Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act
Testimony on Proposed Legislation Concerning Mining and Possible Amendments to the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Pete Didisheim, and I am the advocacy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with Read More
Broad Statewide Coalition Announces Support for Maine Trails Bond
UPDATE: More than 480 businesses, towns, and organizations have signed on to support the Maine Trails Bond. Learn more about the Maine Trails Bond and see full list of supporters. More than 260 businesses, towns, and organizations from across the state today urged lawmakers to help make Maine a national leader in recreational and multi-use Read More
Support of LD 519, A Resolve, to Conduct a Vehicle-to-grid Pilot Project Using Electric School Buses
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Rebecca Schultz. I am a Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has been working for more than 60 years to protect, restore, and conserve Maine’s environment, on Read More
March 22, 2023: Zoom in — Modernizing Maine’s Bottle Bill
Maine’s Bottle Bill is our most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Unfortunately, the local redemption centers that are key to its success are struggling due to inflation and labor shortages. NRCM is encouraging lawmakers to pass two bills that will help redemption centers stay in business and ensure that Mainers have places to redeem Read More
Essential Climate Action for Maine: 100% by 2040
Earlier this week, in her State of the Budget address Governor Mills called on Maine to set a new goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040. With the impacts of climate change already threatening our communities and the high costs of oil and gas hitting Mainers’ pocketbooks, it’s clear Maine must transition quickly to Read More
Reflections on My First Week
My first week as the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s CEO has been filled with inspiration as I’ve engaged with our talented staff and dedicated board. I am deeply honored to step into the leadership of such a respected organization, and I look forward to engaging with you as I settle in and hit my Read More
LD 175, An Act to Increase the Use of Municipal Waste-to-energy Processes as a Source of Renewable Energy
Testimony in Opposition to LD 175, An Act to Increase the Use of Municipal Waste-to-energy Processes as a Source of Renewable Energy Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Sarah Nichols, and I am the Sustainable Maine Director for the Natural Resources Council of Read More