But those who speak in support of easing the standards say the changes would create jobs. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A proposal to rewrite state regulations to streamline the permitting process for open-pit mining met with skepticism and impassioned opposition from scores of people who turned out 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.
Controversial Mining Rules Under Debate at Heavily Attended Hearing in Augusta
By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bid by the state’s largest landholder to relaunch the state’s mining industry in Aroostook County squared off Thursday against concerns that mining’s dark past in Maine could return in the form of environmental damage that may never be reversed. But proponents Read More
Maine Board Hears Arguments on Proposed New Mining Rules
by A.J. Higgins Maine Public news story More than 150 people turned out for a hearing in Augusta today on proposed mining rules developed by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Some favor a planned mine for northern Maine under the rules currently written. Others want any future operations to be more heavily regulated. As Read More
Draft of New Maine Mining Rules Raises Concerns
by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state Department of Environmental Protection, working with an out-of-state contractor, has proposed new mining rules that already are sparking controversy. The department released a 78-page draft late Friday and posted it on its website. When asked for comment on Monday, several legislators, Board of Read More
After Deal on UMaine Project, “Historic” Energy Bill Passes Into Law
by Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story A bill that will move Maine toward ending its so-called “oil poverty” was passed into law late Wednesday after the state Senate unanimously rejected Gov. Paul LePage’s veto. The measure is aimed at expanding New England’s natural gas infrastructure, boosting funding for energy efficiency, directly Read More
NRCM Statement on Override of Governor’s Veto of Omnibus Energy Bill
Statement by Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Project Director “This override vote is great news for Maine people and our environment. Most importantly, the bill will cut energy costs significantly for homeowners and businesses, which will be good for Maine’s economy, energy security and pocketbooks. “NRCM has worked hard to pass this bill because it Read More
Senate Passes Energy Bill in 28-7 Vote After Rejecting LePage-backed Amendments
by Matthew Stone, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Senate gave overwhelming support to a comprehensive energy bill Thursday, voting 28-7 in favor of a far-reaching measure aimed at expanding New England ’s natural gas infrastructure, boosting funding for energy efficiency, directly lowering businesses’ electricity costs and making it Read More
Maine Legislature Enacts Sweeping Energy Bill, Despite Veto Threat
by Patty B. Wight MPBN news story It’s being touted as an unprecedented solution to one of Maine’s most pressing problems: The House and Senate today passed a bipartisan bill aimed at cutting energy costs. The support comes in spite of an expected veto by Gov. Paul LePage, who is unhappy with two components of Read More
Maine House Passes Bill to Revise Mining Law in Attempt to Protect Water, Taxpayers
by Jen Lynds, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine House on Wednesday afternoon approved a bill that officials said would help protect water from pollution caused by mineral mining while also protecting taxpayers from footing the bill for mine cleanup costs. LD 1302, An Act to Amend the Maine Read More