His resistance to a legislative deal on ‘nips’ deposits is just the latest in a long list of policy stances shaped by his gripes and prejudices. Portland Press Herald editorial It should have been a story about how government and industry came together to quietly solve a problem through compromise. Instead, it became another example Read More
“Spiteful and Petty”: Maine Governor Bans Signs to Obama-designated Monument
As Trump administration reviews 27 national monuments, conservationists fear a federally mandated effort to strip public lands of environmental protections by Edward Helmore The Guardian news story A decision by the Republican governor of Maine, Paul LePage, to ban signs to Katahdin Woods and Waters, a national monument designated by Barack Obama, has been described Read More
Gulf of Maine Will Become Too Warm for Many Key Fish, Report Says
Cod and haddock will see prime habitat areas vanish this century, but lobsters will find new spaces to grow. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story A new study by federal fisheries scientists predicts the warming of the Gulf of Maine will cause a dramatic contraction of suitably cool habitat for a Read More
‘Everything Changed’ — Millinocket-Area Businesses Tout Benefits of National Monument
By A.J. Higgins Maine Public news story The Trump administration has vowed to review some of the national monument designations carried out in the Obama years, which could include Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Gov. Paul LePage says the monument, and its potential to become a national park, pose a real threat to Read More
The Future of Maine’s Environment…It’s All About the Kids
On May 8 and 9, my wife Alix and I, accompanied by Gabrielle Grunkemeyer from NRCM, were hosted by Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School and the Edna Drinkwater School in Northport. Sarah Oberink, the University of Maine NRCM intern, joined us at Edna Drinkwater. Visiting these schools and learning about the work they are doing helped Read More
Legislative Panel Unanimously Rejects Pesticides Bill Proposed by LePage
The proposal, which mirrored model legislation promoted by the American Legislative Exchange Council, would have prohibited local restrictions stricter than the state’s. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A legislative committee has voted unanimously to reject a bill that would have prohibited Maine cities and towns from adopting pesticides Read More
Maine House Approves Strict Mining Rules
The margin of victory suggests the bill could have enough support to override a potential veto by Gov. Paul LePage. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill proposing some of the nation’s strictest environmental regulations for mining operations passed the Maine House on Thursday after a lengthy debate Read More
Mining Rule Compromise Sailing for Passage after Maine House Vote
By Michael Shepherd, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A compromise bill that would allow mining in Maine with strict environmental protections sailed easily through the state House of Representatives on Thursday, putting it on a smooth path toward final passage in the Legislature. It could end the five-year struggle over Read More
Memorial Middle School Students Enjoy Learning in Maine’s Environment
Although it was 90 degrees this past week, Memorial Middle School students remind us of the tremendous winter we had and the ways they got to enjoy the snow. The trails surrounds the Carter Outdoor Classroom provided great fun for the students as they explored the area on snowshoes. Come spring, with help from their Read More