The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) closely monitors policy developments related to environmental issues in Maine and at the federal level. We actively promote policies to protect against air pollution and water pollution, ensuring clean air and clean water in Maine. We work to conserve land for public access and for healthy Maine wildlife… Continue Reading
2018 Legislative Priorities for Maine’s Environment
The 2018 legislative session is well underway. This is the “short session” of the Legislature, which means the pace is fast as lawmakers attempt to adjourn by the end of April. It is also an election year for every House and Senate seat, and it is Governor Paul LePage’s final year in office, adding an… Continue Reading
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1510, An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Fund Wastewater Infrastructure Projects
Senator Hamper, Representative Gattine, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, my name is Pete Didisheim. I am the Advocacy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify on behalf of our 20,000 members and supporters in support of LD 1510, which would create… Continue Reading
February 6, 2018: “From the Ashes” Movie Screening and Panel, Lewiston
NRCM Senior Director of Advocacy Pete Didisheim, members of the Bates College faculty, and other clean air advocates held a clean energy discussion after viewing, “From the Ashes,” Michael Bonfiglio’s 2017 documentary presents compelling, often heartbreaking stories about impacts on our economy, health and climate from the coal industry. “From the Ashes” captures Americans in communities… Continue Reading
Clean Energy: Boost Solar Power in Maine
A solar power revolution is underway around the world—last year in the U.S., the #1 source of new power was solar, exceeding new wind and natural gas capacity. However, Maine needs to play catch up. Maine has an excellent solar resource, but we are missing out on the jobs and clean energy it could bring… Continue Reading
Protect Maine’s Environment from Mining Pollution
Metal mining is one of the most damaging industrial activities conducted anywhere, with a worldwide legacy of environmental contamination. Maine has its own legacy of poor mining at the former Callahan mine in Brooksville. Shuttered 40 years ago, it’s still causing water pollution and has already cost Maine taxpayers more than $8 million in cleanup… Continue Reading
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 683, An Act to Fund the Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program and To Phase Out Certain Containers from the Bottle Redemption Laws
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Pete Didisheim, I am the Advocacy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 683, An Act to Fund the Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program… Continue Reading
NRCM Testimony on LD 349, LD 375, and LD 385, Bills to Establish Product Stewardship Programs for Mattresses, Carpets, and Rechargeable Batteries
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Pete Didisheim, I am the Advocacy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I appreciate this opportunity to testify on the three bills before the Committee that would create product stewardship programs for carpets (LD 375), mattresses… Continue Reading
NRCM Testimony In Opposition to Nomination of Kathleen Chase to the Board of Environmental Protection
Senator Saviello, Representative Walsh, and distinguished members of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. I am Pete Didisheim, the Advocacy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I appreciate this opportunity to testify on behalf of our members and supporters in opposition to the nomination of Kathleen Chase to the Board of… Continue Reading
