The Kennebec River experienced a dramatic resurgence in sea-run fish populations, water quality, and wildlife with the removal of the Edwards Dam in 1999. The restored river has also helped revitalize riverfront communities. We need to continue this success by restoring access for sea-run fish to the Kennebec above Waterville. Right now, the Federal Energy Read More
About Nick Bennett, former Staff Scientist and Healthy Waters Director
Support of LD 1471 as Amended to Codify Major Substantive Changes to Chapter 200 (Mining Rules)
Good afternoon, Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the ENR Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am commenting in support of the Department of Environmental Read More
LD 2101, An Act to Strengthen Shoreland Zoning Enforcement
Good afternoon, Senator Nangle, Representative Stover, and members of the Committee on State and Local Government. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist with the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of Read More
What’s Next for the CMP Corridor
The week of April 10th marks the beginning of a jury trial that will determine whether Central Maine Power (CMP) is allowed to defy the will of Maine people. The result could be a defining moment for the future of the CMP corridor. On November 2, 2021, Maine people voted overwhelmingly to reject the CMP Read More
LD 164, An Act to Fund the Lake Restoration and Protection Fund
Testimony in Support of LD 164, An Act to Fund the Lake Restoration and Protection Fund Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and Members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s leading environmental advocacy group Read More
Support of LD 1964, An Act To Update Certain Water Quality Standards and To Reclassify Certain Waters of the State
Senator Brenner, Representative Tucker, and Members of the ENR Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), which is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 25,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of LD 1964. Both Maine and federal Read More
Opposition to LD 1979
Senator Brenner, Representative Tucker, and members of the ENR Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 25,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in strong opposition to LD 1979. This primary purpose of this Read More
Classification Upgrades Protect Maine’s Clean Water
Maine’s clean water is central to our identity, supporting recreation and local businesses, and providing high-quality drinking water to people across the state. Strong federal and state laws are the biggest reasons why Mainers enjoy such clean water. We’re approaching two milestones in 2022 that really reinforce these critical underpinnings of Maine’s clean waters. The Read More
Support of LD 906, An Act to Provide Passamaquoddy Tribal Members Access to Clean Water
Senator Carney, Representative Harnett, and Members of the Judiciary Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 25,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of LD 906. For too long, the Read More
