http://www.nrcm.org/rss.asp?f=6 NRCM State House Watch bdimond@nrcm.orgTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:21:42 EDTFuzzyRSS 1.0.1 http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3485Maine could soon become the first state to require drug manufacturers to establish a system for collecting unused medications from consumers to keep the drugs from getting into the environment or falling into the wrong hands.The idea was endorsed by a legislative committee last month and could reach the full Legislature as soon as this week. If approved, it would strengthen Maine's position as a n...bdimond@nrcm.orgMon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3483Representatives from an environmental advocacy group and a company that distributes plastic pallets containing a toxic flame retardant told lawmakers Thursday they were close to reaching a compromise to phase out new pallet production "as soon as practicable."A bill introduced by House Speaker Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, called for the end of the manufacture and sale of the ch...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3476The near-universal enthusiasm for wind power seen in the early days of the industry here in Maine has waned, in large part because of the complaints from those living near towers and turbines, which dominate the landscape and can produce annoying noise. As people hear about those complaints, sympathy for wind farm neighbors grows, as does wariness about the technology. While people may still suppo...bdimond@nrcm.orgTue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3472Maine's oil dealers and some lawmakers support moving the state to cleaner-burning oil, but concerns about supply are driving debate in the Legislature.The Natural Resources Committee on Thursday considered two bills to move the state to cleaner, lower-sulfur-content heating oil. Under federal law, the state is required to come up with a plan to reduce haze at three designated scenic areas: Acadia...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3465A legislative committee has endorsed a proposal to create Maine's first license for saltwater sport fishing.The Marine Resources Committee was deadlocked on the idea last week, but reconsidered the issue Monday. Eight of the committee's 13 members voted for the new plan, and a ninth is expected to add her support before the committee formally sends its recommendation to the House of Representative...bdimond@nrcm.orgWed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3459AUGUSTA — Maine was the first state to make manufacturers pay for the recycling of computer monitors, TVs and mercury thermostats.Now, some lawmakers want to expand that idea by creating standards to add more products to the list.Supporters told a legislative panel Friday that the standards – which also would be the nation's first – would reduce waste and pollution and save taxpa...bdimond@nrcm.orgSat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3451At the age of 82, I have fished in saltwater for more than 75 years. As a boy hand lining from the rocks and docks, I caught flounder, sculpin, cunners, mackerel and harbor pollock, using as bait clams or sea-worms I had dug myself.Later, I graduated to striped bass, bluefish, red drum, jacks, spotted sea trout, bonefish, albacore, bonito, and bluefin tuna, fishing in a dozen Atlantic and Gulf Coa...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3455Senator Goodall, Representative Duchesne and members of the Natural Resources Committee.  My name is Matt Prindiville.  I am the Clean Production Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.  NRCM strongly supports LD 1568, and we thank Representative Pingree for bringing this issue to the attention of the committee and for her continued leadership on public and envi...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3456Senator Goodall, Representative Duchesne, and Members of the Committee.  My name is Matt Prindiville, and I’m the Clean Production Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.  NRCM strongly supports LD 1631, and we thank Representative Innes for bringing the bill to the attention of the Committee. LD 1631 builds off of the success of Maine’s product stew...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=3457Senator Goodall and Representative Duchesne,Air quality remains a significant problem and a pressing concern in Maine. Despite decades of progress that began with the federal Clean Air Act, Maine today has one of the highest rates of lung disease in the country, affecting more than 120,000 citizens, including children with asthma. Most of us here know someone with asthma and the hardship it can ca...bdimond@nrcm.orgFri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT