Since the fall, we’ve seen the consequences of our continued dependence on oil and gas here in Maine: Heating oil and utility gas prices have spiked, becoming unaffordable for too many Maine people. The New England grid’s reliance on expensive natural gas caused electricity prices to nearly double this winter. And now Putin’s war in Read More
renewable energy
LD 1959, Ensure Transmission & Distribution Utility Accountability
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology, my name is Rebecca Schultz. I am the Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am testifying in support of LD 1959, with suggested changes to strengthen the legislation. We believe Read More
It All Boils Down to Climate Change
Maine winters are long. The sweetest light at the end of the tunnel for some is sugaring season, that short stretch of time just before spring when the winter temps rise to above freezing during the day and into the 20s at night, and the sap flows from the maple trees. Since 2017, my husband Read More
Smart Funding Decisions Needed to Build a Climate-friendly Transportation System for Maine
Maine’s transportation system is largely focused on moving cars quickly from point A to point B. But this focus risks missing the point entirely—and serves to create congestion, cost, and carbon pollution. If we are to meet the challenge of the climate crisis, Maine needs to deliver healthier, more affordable and accessible transportation options Read More
Community Solar—What’s the Deal?
Have you received multiple offers to sign up for solar and save money on your electric bill? Do you wonder if these offers are legitimate? Where’s the catch? How do these work? People are asking these questions, so I did a little research. Here’s what I found out. There are two ways to engage in community Read More
A Clean Energy Future Maine Can Be Proud Of
Maine people delivered a stunning defeat to the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor at the ballot box on November 2nd. The overwhelming vote to reject the corridor sends a clear message that Mainers are not going to accept the damage done to Maine’s western mountains, especially for a project that offers no new climate benefit. Read More
Putting Our Plug-in Hybrid to the Test: Pandemic Road-tripping
In August of 2021, my husband and I decided to accept an invitation to an in-person wedding of a dear friend in southeastern Michigan, about 900 miles away from our home in Lewiston. Seeing friends and embarking on a road trip, one of our favorite ways to vacation, seemed the perfect antidote to our COVID Read More
Offshore Wind Holds Great Promise for Maine
The United States has made great strides over the past several years in developing and deploying the clean energy we need to help address the climate crisis. But one area that still holds a great deal of unfulfilled promise for our country – and especially for Maine – is offshore wind, particularly deep offshore wind that might be located 25 or 50 miles from shore. The Gulf of Maine Read More
Maine’s Climate Action Plan Turns One
Today marks one year since the creation of Maine’s Climate Action Plan, “Maine Won’t Wait,” an exciting and ambitious framework to tackle climate change on all fronts in our state. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, it has been a pivotal year for climate action. Hundreds of Maine people, communities, and businesses have stepped up to deliver meaningful progress toward our climate goals. As more and Read More
