Read these noteworthy news stories and opinion pieces related to Maine’s land, air, water, and wildlife and the work of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. September 28, 2023 Last weekend many of you were at the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity. Thanks to all who stopped by to say hi to us in Read More
renewable energy
Legislative Session Marked by Progress on Clean Energy, Waste Reduction, and Wildlife Protection
Maine’s conservation ethic continues to drive economic growth July 26, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — This year’s legislative session was another demonstration of Maine’s continued leadership on clean energy, with a signature bill that boosts offshore wind and continued momentum on measures that will help achieve Maine’s climate action goals while reducing energy costs, creating jobs, Read More
Maine Legislature Approves Plan to Boost Offshore Wind
July 26, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — Earlier this morning at about 3:00 a.m., the Maine Legislature passed a historic bill to encourage 3GW of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine while creating good-paying jobs, protecting wildlife, avoiding key fishing grounds, and supporting new port construction. Below is a statement from the Natural Resources Read More
Historic Offshore Wind Bill Advances in Maine
Legislators, the Mills Administration, organized labor, a key fisheries group, and environmental organizations have agreed on consensus language that will advance a major omnibus offshore wind bill in the Maine Legislature. The bill will responsibly develop offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine and encourage new deepwater port construction while maintaining strong standards to ensure good-paying jobs for Maine workers, protections for wildlife, avoidance of important fishing grounds, broad stakeholder engagement, and inclusive community benefits.
Maine Moves Toward Stronger Clean Car and Truck Standards
Maine DEP will consider two new clean vehicle standards that will provide Mainers with cleaner air and greater access to zero-emission cars and trucks. Adopting the standards, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensure Mainers have access to a greater number of models, helping to lower sticker prices and hasten the transition away from expensive and polluting gas-powered cars and trucks.
Bill to Boost Maine’s Offshore Wind Economy Advances Out of Committee
A bill to jumpstart a new offshore wind industry for Maine has been approved by the EUT Committee and now heads to the full Legislature for consideration. LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, will generate a historic investment in affordable and reliable clean energy to power Maine’s homes, businesses, and transportation.
Guide to Federal Funding Opportunities for Mainers
Mainers are eager to do the right thing for the environment in their homes, businesses, and communities. Installing clean energy solutions like solar or heat pumps saves money and reduces pollution. Thankfully, with the recent passage of legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there is a lot Read More
LD 1986, Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Rebecca Schultz. I am a Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization with more than 25,000 members and supporters, on behalf of Read More
What You Should Know about Maine’s Solar Success
Solar energy in Maine has grown seven-fold in the last few years. This tremendous growth has saved towns and school districts money on their electric bills. It has supplied Maine businesses with more affordable electricity. It is responsible for millions of dollars in benefits to ratepayers, putting downward pressure on rates across the board.¹ The Read More
