The measure would lift restrictions on current large-scale solar projects, and set new power goals. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A parade of proponents turned out Thursday at a public hearing for a bill that would greatly expand community solar farms in Maine. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. David Read More
renewable energy
Support of LD 1444, An Act Regarding Large-scale Community Solar Procurement
Senator David Woodsome, 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. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We support this bill, which includes new innovations and builds on Read More
Portland Councilors Want City to Use 100% Clean Energy by 2040
Portland Press Herald news story Portland city councilors will consider a new goal of powering municipal operations with 100 percent clean energy by 2040. City Councilor Spencer Thibodeau, chairman of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee, is presenting the goal in the form of a council resolution. Thibodeau will formally announce the goal Thursday at a Read More
A Subsidy Maine Electric Customers Pay to Encourage Renewable Energy Up for Review
Lawmakers will consider two bills that seek to address deficiencies in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which even advocates admit isn’t working as intended. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story A multimillion-dollar subsidy that Maine electric customers pay to encourage the use of renewable power is up for review in the Legislature Read More
Wind Power Foes: Don’t Ruin Maine’s Beauty to Feed “Green Energy” Demands
Although wind energy is supported by many environmentalists, those who oppose development in the Moosehead region feel the reality of wind power would mean no real reduction in Maine By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Wind power opponents near Moosehead Lake are worried that Massachusetts interests are going Read More
Fixing Maine’s Solar Policy
by Peter Simmons of Brunswick Times Record op-ed The ongoing dispute between Governor LePage and solar advocates over energy policy deserves serious consideration and demands swift resolution. Although the Governor believes that solar power raises the cost of electricity and incentives only benefit the wealthy, a wisely designed solar policy will lower costs, result in Read More
Solar Sheds Provide Solution for Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Panels
The Pittsfield-Unity partnership provides a more cost-effective option that will get customers a better return, according to the managers. by Madeleine St. Amour, staff writer Central Maine newspapers news story UNITY — Matt Wagner decided one day to stop by an Amish-run business that builds mostly sheds and some tiny homes. Wagner, who lives in Read More
Support of LD 901, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Determination of a Wind Energy Development’s Effect on the Scenic Character of Maine’s Special Places
Good afternoon Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue and I am the Forests and Wildlife Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of NRCM’s 20,000 members and supporters in support of LD 901, “An Act Read More
Solar Advocates Petition PUC to Reconsider Net Metering Decision
The filing is regarded as a likely precursor to a potential court challenge of the Maine Public Utilities Commission that changed the financial incentives for solar energy customers. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – A coalition of organizations and businesses are petitioning the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reconsider Read More
