May 13, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — Three conservation groups have announced they intend to sue the international energy giant Brookfield Renewable Partners (Brookfield) for repeated violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Maine’s Kennebec River. Brookfield’s four dams located between Waterville and Skowhegan are threatening the survival of endangered Atlantic salmon, according to a Read More
Support of LD 1682, An Act to Require Consideration of Climate and Equity Impacts by the Public Utilities Commission
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. My name is David Costello. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in support of LD 1682, An Act to Require Consideration of Climate and Equity Read More
The Power of Green Banking
Like many of you, on January 20, 2021, I took a very long exhale as I watched President Biden and VP Kamala Harris being sworn into office. I think the weight of four years of stress came out in that long exhale, and I felt a resurgence of hope seeing the flurry of executive orders Read More
Support of LD 1541, An Act to Support and Improve Municipal Recycling Programs and Save Taxpayer Money
Senator Brenner, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Nichols, and I am the Sustainable Maine Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to testify in strong support of LD 1541. The language is very similar to LD Read More
My Maine This Week: Kristen Lindquist
NRCM member Kristen Lindquist of Camden, Maine, has written several Creature Features for us, most recently about the Piping Plover and this happy sign of spring: the Eastern Bluebird. As it happens, Kristen’s neighbor had several bluebirds visit this spring, and Kristen was able to capture these beautiful images of them to share with us. Read More
Broad Support for Land for Maine’s Future Funding in Governor Mills’ Bond Package
Land for Maine’s Future Coalition news release May 7, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — A broad coalition of organizations are applauding Governor Janet Mills for including funding for the popular and effective Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program in her proposed bond package announced today. Created in 1987, LMF has supported projects in all 16 Maine Read More
Why Consumers Alone Can’t “Fix” Recycling
Are you recycling right? Chances are, not always. If someone asked you today, how confident do you feel that you are recycling correctly? If a recycling expert were to take a look inside your blue bin, would you be nervous? If you’re uncertain about the items you’ve been placing out at the curb, rest assured, Read More
Support of LD 1634, An Act To Create the Maine Generation Authority
Good afternoon Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology. My name is Sue Ely, and I work for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am pleased to testify today in support of LD 1634, An Act To Create the Maine Generation Authority. Maine faces a monumental Read More
Opposition to LD 101, An Act to Prohibit Offshore Wind Energy Development
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. My name is David Costello. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in strong opposition to LD 101, An Act to Prohibit Offshore Wind Energy Development. OSW Key to Maine’s Read More