On behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, I want to express our deep appreciation for Senator Angus King’s vital vote that blocked legislation that would have allowed construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The pipeline would let Canadian companies pump toxic tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast, where Read More
We Stand Ready: A Post-Election Message
The elections are behind us, and we face big challenges. The LePage Administration has proven hostile toward existing environmental protections for the last four years and has put up numerous roadblocks to progress. In addition, we have lost some strong advocates at the Legislature as a result of the elections. That is the bad news. Read More
The Big Picture: Leading Action on Climate Change
More and more people are coming together to work on climate change. It’s no wonder. We can plainly see changes in our lakes, forests, and backyard gardens. The number of cases of Lyme disease is exploding and many of us have had to take antibiotics because of deer tick bites. We hear on the national Read More
Comments by NRCM at South Portland City Council Final Vote on Clear Skies Ordinance
Comments of Lisa Pohlmann, Natural Resources Council of Maine Executive Director We again would like to congratulate the City Council for its diligent and transparent management of this process. Protecting the health and well-being of the people of South Portland is an enormous responsibility. Mayor Jalbert: you and the rest of the Council have risen Read More
Wildlife in the Wild Lands of Northern Maine
‘I took at trip to the EPI lands proposed for a new National Park and National Recreation Area this week. There is a lovely walk to one of many small ponds that is now marked along the Katahdin Loop Road. I had the great privilege of seeing a mother moose and her calf chilling out in Read More
Testimony to the South Portland City Council Regarding the South Portland Clear Skies Ordinance
I am here today representing the members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, especially those who reside in South Portland. NRCM was founded by Maine people exactly 55 years ago today, and is the state’s leading environmental advocacy group, representing more than 16,000 members and supporters. I would like to commend the Read More
Diamond in the Rough: Our Visit to the Proposed New National Park and Recreation Area for Maine
The NRCM staff took a two-day field trip September 12-13 to experience firsthand the lands belonging to Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. (EPI), east of Baxter State Park, that are being proposed for a new national park and recreation area. In typical NRCM fashion, we braved the ominous stormy forecast, arriving midmorning at Lunksoos Camp. Mark and Read More
A Day Closer to a Better Energy Future
President Obama’s announcement of his major climate initiative this week was a historic moment. We tuned in at the NRCM office yesterday to hear the speech and cheered for what he had to say. Finally, we are seeing real leadership that will help Maine and all Americans tackle climate change — the gravest environmental threat Read More
Opposition to LD 269, An Act To Increase Opportunities on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Good afternoon Sen. Jackson, Rep. Dill, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. My name is Lisa Pohlmann. I am here today on behalf of the 12,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in opposition to LD 269, An Act to Increase Opportunities on the Allagash Read More