By Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, is the House majority leader Bangor Daily News op-ed This legislative session, we could have passed a historic solar bill into law. But too many House Republicans caved in to their leaders and the governor, throwing away that opportunity and all the jobs that would have come with it. LD 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.
Opportunity Lost as GOP Thwarts Job-creating Solar Energy Bill
By Sen. Dawn Hill Seacoast Online news story It’s not every day that Maine has an opportunity to take the lead in a growing industry, create and sustain jobs for its people, lower energy costs and fight climate change. We seized that opportunity in 2008, when the Legislature passed changes to the Wind Energy Act Read More
State House Action Day: Providing a Voice for Students Across Maine
On March 1st, the Natural Resource Council of Maine hosted their annual State House Action Day where students from all across the state attended. Representatives from University of Maine Orono, Unity College, and University of New England gathered to discuss critical bills currently going through the Legislature including LD 1649, a comprehensive solar energy bill, Read More
Lawmakers Uphold LePage Veto, Killing Bill to Boost Solar Energy
Two votes in the House and a determined lobbying effort by supporters fail to generate enough support to pass the measure. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — House lawmakers upheld Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a closely watched solar energy bill Friday in a blow to supporters who argued Read More
Solar Bill Offers Right Answers for Maine
The arguments against a modernization of the state’s clean energy market do not pass the test. Portland Press Herald editorial It’s easy to tear apart a complicated piece of legislation by latching onto a few details and blowing them out of proportion. But lawmakers who are considering voting to sustain Gov. LePage’s veto of L.D. Read More
Override the Veto So Maine Can Benefit from Modern Solar Policy
Legislators who helped craft a bipartisan, broad-based energy deal ask their colleagues to reaffirm their support. by David Woodsome and Sara Gideon Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — When we truly listen to one another, we can accomplish so much. That’s exactly what happened with the comprehensive solar bill the governor vetoed this week. Here Read More
Overriding This LePage Veto Will Put Solar Within Reach for More Mainers
By Norman Higgins and Sara Gideon, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A technological revolution is taking place in solar power. As solar panel technology matures, prices plummet, installation rates accelerate and new markets and businesses spring up. But Maine hasn’t benefited as much from this exciting trend as other states, even neighbors Read More
Maine Would Benefit from Solar Power
Gov. LePage’s predictable veto of the genius of home solar net-metering legislation disrespects both science and the majority vote of the Legislature. It should be overridden unanimously. by Paul Liebow Sun Journal op-ed Mainers who can’t afford solar will benefit in the long run, not lose money, because unlimited harvesting of solar power will make 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
