Good morning Senator Boyle, Representative Welsh, and members of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. I am testifying on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in opposition to LD 1772. NRCM believes these draft rules will not protect Maine’s environment or Maine taxpayers from the risks of metal mining in sulfide Read More
mining rules
Maine Mining Rules Get Initial Approval from Board
The new regulations are aimed at boosting the industry, but critics are fearful of creating pollution. by Michael Shepherd Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — In a preliminary vote Friday, a state board adopted a set of rules for metal mines aimed at spurring the industry in Maine, a move criticized by environmentalists who Read More
Board of Environmental Protection Unanimously Approves New Maine Mining Rules
by Whit Richardson, staff writer Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Board of Environmental Protection on Friday afternoon voted 5-0 to approve new mining rules that govern metallic mining operations in the state. At issue are detailed rules developed by the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with LD 1853, new mining Read More
State Regulators Dig Into Maine Mining Rules
An overhaul aimed at updating standards alarms environmentalists. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — State regulations that would make it easier for mining companies to operate in Maine moved one step closer to completion Tuesday as the Board of Environmental Protection voted to post for public comment new changes Read More
Majority of Comments Oppose New Maine Mining Rules
by Jen Lynds, staff writer Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of the Natural Resources Council of Maine say that citizens have stepped forward in force to oppose draft rules for mining in the state. The proposed regulations, which were introduced in August, have been the subject of controversy since last year Read More
Bald Mountain Open-pit Proposal Shows Need for Strong Mining Rules
The rules that Maine has drafted will protect neither our environment nor our taxpayers. by Nick Bennett, NRCM Staff Scientist and Watersheds Project Director Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — In his Nov. 6 Maine Voices column, Walter Anderson missed the mark on the mining issues facing Maine (“Maine should take lead in crafting modern Read More
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 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
Maine House Passes Mining Bill with Environmental Safeguards
Opponents said the measure is too stringent and would hurt job creation in Aroostook County by Tom Bell, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that adds environmental safeguards to the state’s mining law won initial support in the Maine House on Wednesday. The House voted 91 to 49 to pass Read More
