Accountability and Affordability Must Be at the Center of Efforts to Scrutinize CMP’s Rate Increase On Friday April 17, Central Maine Power (CMP) filed its latest proposal to increase Mainers’ electricity bills. As we review the company’s filing, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) will be focused on two ways to reduce electricity prices Read More
Nature of Maine Blog
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s “Nature of Maine” blog gives you the inside scoop on some of the latest issues facing Maine’s environment. From environmental news to threats to opportunities, NRCM is on the frontlines of the latest goings-on—and we’re often leading the charge on efforts to protect Maine’s precious lands, air, waters, and wildlife. Read what NRCM staff members have to say and get the perspective of some of our members and supporters who have been guest contributors.
Perhaps you have an issue you’d like to write about. Maybe you’re an expert on a particular topic and are inspired to share your expertise. Maybe you’ve recently made a visit to a spectacular Maine nature preserve or other natural area and would like to write about it (captioned photos welcome!). For submission guidelines, email nrcm@nrcm.org.
What You Need to Know about Maine’s New Plug-in Solar Law
A new plug-in solar law passed in April 2026 clears the way for Maine renters, homeowners, and local business owners to take advantage of clean, cheap solar power to reduce their electricity bills. These small, portable solar panels are expected to generate a lot of interest because they’ll give Mainers the opportunity to generate solar power Read More
Energy Costs in Maine and the War in Iran
In the month since the war in Iran began, it has become clear that it will have major economic impacts affecting Maine families and businesses. At the top of the list is instability in global oil and gas markets that have come with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz – a critical trade route Read More
Remembering Lisa Pohlmann
With heavy hearts, we share with you that Lisa Pohlmann, NRCM’s CEO from 2011-2022, passed away on Sunday, March 22. Lisa joined the NRCM team in 2000 as a member of the Board of Directors, later serving as board president and then Deputy Director under Brownie Carson. She brought to her leadership of the Natural Read More
Bird Aftermath of the 2026 Bomb Cyclone
In our last blog, we wondered what kind of an impact the ferocious bomb cyclone might have on seabirds that winter on the open ocean off Maine. For instance, would Dovekies, those smallest of the alcids (the bird family that includes Atlantic Puffins and Black Guillemots), appear in high numbers along Maine shores? Dovekies are Read More
Four Ways Maine Can Address the Energy Impact of Data Centers
The construction of new data centers has attracted a lot of attention around the country, and here in Maine. Large data centers, whether they’re built to support artificial intelligence (AI) development, cryptocurrency mining, or other purposes, can have sizeable impacts on surrounding communities, including the use of enormous amounts of electricity. While other states have Read More
The Bomb Cyclone and Birds at Sea
There was the hype. There was the footage of swirling, blowing snow, of waves piling up and spilling across oceanside streets. Brave weather people, geared up and giddy with anticipation, ignored their own advice and reported from the frontlines of Winter Storm Hernando, aka, the “bomb cyclone.” Whether or not it was the bomb, or Read More
How Investing in More Transportation Choices for Maine Will Cut Infrastructure Costs
Maine is facing a major transportation funding problem. By 2027, the Maine Highway Fund is projected to be $280 million short of what is needed to cover transportation expenses. This comes at a time when Americans are experiencing soaring transportation costs and congestion, and when funding for affordable solutions to meet everyday travel needs is Read More
How a Maine Climate Superfund Will Help Local Maine Towns Like Mine
Last October, the City of Bath passed a resolution in support of LD 1870 — for the state to establish a Climate Superfund and make big fossil fuel companies pay for the climate impacts we are experiencing in Maine. The City of Rockland and the Town of Yarmouth passed similar resolutions. Other municipalities around the state are considering doing the same. I can’t speak on behalf Read More
