The legislative session is underway in Augusta, with continuing bipartisan support for action on clean energy and climate change. We are finally poised to make important strides on policies that reduce pollution; lower energy costs; and create a stronger, more sustainable economy for all Mainers. To do so, Maine people will need to stay engaged Read More
renewable energy
Mills Signs Executive Order Reversing LePage Moratorium on Wind Energy Permits
The governor’s order opens the door for state agencies to issue permits that were put in limbo under her predecessor. By Scott Thistle, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has signed an executive order effectively ending a moratorium on wind turbine permits issued by her predecessor, Gov. Paul LePage. Read More
Ending Gross Metering a Good First Step for Solar Development
Bangor Daily News editorial It would be a gross understatement to say that Maine’s relatively new rules for solar power generation and billing have not been well received, particularly by the solar industry, environmental groups and the Maine people turning to this source of renewable energy. For years, Maine homeowners and others have received credits Read More
Portland Students are Rising Up on Behalf of Solar Energy
Kids understand the urgency of taking action, and they are ready to be heard by adults. by Siri Pierce of Portland, a Casco Bay High School junior and an organizer of SolaRISE Portland, a collaboration among student leaders, residents and educators to promote environmental stewardship. Portland Press Herald op-ed Kids are used to adults not Read More
Solar Supporters Urge Maine Lawmakers to Restore Financial Incentives
Hoping to capitalize on a shift in the political climate, installers and other advocates for solar energy want homeowners to again receive credit for feeding electricity back into the grid. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Solar power advocates urged Maine lawmakers on Tuesday to revive financial incentives for Read More
Blaine House to Show that Solar is a Good Deal
Mainers will get to see how they could benefit as the price for solar panels drops. Portland Press Herald editorial The Blaine House is not just the building where the governor lives. It’s also a place where the chief executive can make a point. So when then-Gov. Paul LePage wanted to promote the use of Read More
Support of LD 91, An Act to Repeal Gross Metering
Senator Mark Lawrence, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. NRCM supports the repeal of gross metering, which is punitive, Read More
Climate Change Calls for Immediate Action on the Part of Maine Officials
Eight years of denial have only made it harder to prevent catastrophic loss. Portland Press Herald editorial Back in 2010, the state Department of Environmental Protection completed a report on the kind of risks Maine faced as a result of climate change. Although it contained 60 recommendations, it was not a climate response plan. It Read More
Climate Change is a Top Priority for the New Crop of Governors — Even One Republican
“For all his bluster and tweeting, Donald Trump cannot stop us from moving forward in our states,” Washington’s governor told BuzzFeed News. by Zahra Hirji, BuzzFeed News Reporter Buzzfeed news story His first week on the job, Florida’s new Republican governor made a surprise announcement. In sharp contrast to the previous administration, Ron DeSantis signed Read More
