December 5, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Board of Environmental Protection today finalized rules for a first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law that will save taxpayers money and improve recycling by holding corporations accountable for the wasteful packaging they produce. “Today’s vote is great news for Maine taxpayers and our environment,” said Read More
News Release
The Natural Resources Council of Maine creates news releases on issues related to our work. We are a nonprofit membership organization protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine’s environment, now and for future generations. We release news as necessary to inform our members, the general public, businesses, and others about threats and opportunities related to Maine’s environment. Often, these news releases are coupled with press conferences, and, as opportunity arises, they include steps people can take to get involved or take action. For more than 50 years, the Natural Resources Council of Maine has been protecting the places and way of life that make Maine so special.
For media inquiries for NRCM, please contact Colin Durrant by email or (207) 430-0103.
NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King Not to Undermine Senate Confirmation Process for Nominees
November 25, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization today urged Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to insist that the full, deliberative “advice and consent” process be pursued in the U.S. Senate for nominees to federal agencies that play a critical role in helping protect Maine’s environment. The Natural Resources Council of Read More
Updated Climate Action Plan is Opportunity for Maine to Lead
The Maine Climate Council released its updated Climate Action Plan (view PDF) today as is statutorily required under a bipartisan climate law passed in 2019. Since the first Climate Action Plan was published in 2020, the impacts of climate change have become more pronounced, causing damage to critical infrastructure, harm to local communities, and interruptions Read More
New Methane Pollution Charge Will Protect Our Health
November 15, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — A new rule announced this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at slashing harmful methane pollution will protect clean air and safeguard human health. As part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the U.S. Congress adopted the methane waste emission charge as part of the Read More
Maine Trails Bond Approved by Voters
News release Maine voters have decisively approved (55% – 45%) a first-ever $30 million Maine Trails Bond to repair and expand all types of trails statewide. The successful passage of the bond solidifies Maine’s position as a national leader in outdoor recreation to support local economic growth and expand access for all users. Starting in Read More
Successful Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Lease Sale Kicks Off a New Clean Energy Era
News release October 29, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – A new era for clean energy in New England kicked off today when the federal government announced the results of its first floating offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Maine. Four of the eight available lease areas were purchased by developers, including one in the northern Read More
US Dept. of Energy Grant for Aroostook Renewable Transmission
NRCM Statement October 3, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $425 million in support of a proposal to connect clean, reliable wind energy from Aroostook County to the rest of Maine, as well as the New England electric grid. The project, proposed by Avangrid, must still be selected by the Read More
Latest CMP Reorganization Plan Raises Concerns for Maine Electricity Customers
Advocates Urge PUC to Protect Ratepayers September 16, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — The plan to take Maine’s largest utility private is raising serious concerns about the impact on electricity customers and the role of utilities in helping the state meet its clean energy goals. Iberdrola’s $2.5 billion buyout of public shares of Central Maine Power’s Read More
Sales Notice Posted for Gulf of Maine Wind Projects
News Release September 16, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The federal government today issued its final sale notice for the responsible development of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) notice sets October 29th as the date for its auction of lease areas for building floating offshore wind projects Read More
