It has been a very big year for NRCM and the people of Maine. In June, the Penobscot River Restoration Project was completed, opening up nearly 2,000 miles of habitat for 11 species of native sea-run fish. NRCM began working on this project with others more than 16 years ago. In August, we saw the Read More
Mining Pollution
Mining is one of the most dangerous industrial activities, with mining pollution affecting wildlife habitat, clean waters, and public health. Mining metals in deposits with high levels of sulfides, which are common in Maine, is especially dangerous. Mining companies search for metals like copper and zinc in deposits where iron sulfide is present in large quantities. Iron sulfide creates acid when exposed to air and water. This acid kills fish and other aquatic creatures. It also leaches out toxic heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, that may also be in the mined rock.
Poll Shows Maine Voters Strongly Support New National Monument, Solar Power, LMF, Maine’s Environment
NRCM news release Portland, Maine – Today, the Natural Resources Council of Maine released the results of a comprehensive public opinion survey on the attitudes of likely Maine voters on a broad range of environmental policy issues. With Mainers heading to the polls in two weeks, the survey documents broad, bipartisan support for protection of Maine’s Read More
Mining Rules Face Overwhelming Citizen Opposition
Record Shows Opponents Outnumber Proponents: 436-2 NRCM news release Mainers are overwhelmingly lining up against draft rules that would weaken environmental protections from mining pollution in Maine. The Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) is holding a deliberative session to consider the draft rules today at the Augusta Civic Center. According to an analysis by the Natural Read More
LePage Administration Resurrects Plan to Weaken Mining Rules
by Andy O’Brien Free Press news story No metals have been mined in Maine since 1977, according to the Maine Geological Survey, but the LePage administration is hoping to revive the dormant industry if he can elect enough allies to the Legislature this November. Last Thursday, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) unveiled its third Read More
Opposition to Chapter 200: Metallic Mineral Exploration, Advanced Exploration and Mining
Good morning Chairman Parker and members of the Board of Environmental Protection. My name is Nick Bennett, I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I am testifying in opposition to these proposed rules. Previous versions of these rules were not protective of Maine’s water quality or its taxpayers, and Read More
Controversy Over Metal Mining in Maine Rekindled
By Anthony Brino, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story A decades-long debate over the prospect of a metal mine in the mountains of Aroostook County will be rekindled Thursday as another proposed overhaul of state mining regulations receives a public hearing. Opponents again are gearing up to voice their concerns about the potential for Read More
Maine Looks Again at Overhauling Mining Regulations
By Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is once again proposing a major rewrite of the state’s metallic mining regulations, reviving a controversial issue that failed twice in the Legislature during the past two years. DEP officials said the proposed rules are needed to address inconsistencies Read More
The Irvings’ Invasion of Maine
by Bruce Livesey, National Observer news story Reprinted with permission in the Lewiston Sun Journal This is one part in a six-part series titled “The House of Irving” by investigative reporter Bruce Livesey of the Vancouver-based National Observer. The series examines the powerful role the Irving family plays in the business, politics and media of Read More
Protecting the Environment is Not a Partisan Issue, Natural Resources Council Leader Says
by Lisa Pohlmann Portland Press Herald opinion piece AUGUSTA — Summer is here, and Mainers and visitors are enjoying the splendor of our rivers, lakes, parks, coasts, mountains, forests and wildlife. Meanwhile, Gov. LePage is attacking Maine’s environment. The governor has publicly declared war on the Natural Resources Council of Maine, but there should be Read More
