Maine’s recently released Climate Action Plan, Maine Won’t Wait, is an exciting step forward in the state’s efforts to strengthen our economy by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050. One of the most important parts of the Climate Action Plan focuses on solutions for reducing pollution from cars Read More
Cleaner Transportation
Many people are surprised to learn that cars and trucks are the single largest source of global warming pollution in Maine, at roughly 55 percent. This pollution that exacerbates climate change isn’t just threatening our natural resource-based economy here in Maine, it is also impacting our air quality and the health of Maine families and children. By driving electric vehicles, Mainers are reducing air pollution that harms our environment, our health, and our natural resources-based economy.
Fortunately, high-efficiency, gasoline-battery hybrid cars like the Prius are now common place and many models of “plug-in” cars, also known as electric vehicles (EVs), are now practical and available in Maine. Especially when powered by clean, renewable power sources, electric vehicles are a very low-emission alternative to our biggest source of pollution. Our electricity mix here in Maine is one of the cleanest in the country, and that makes plug-in electric cars far more environmentally friendly than even the most efficient hybrid car.
Maine Climate Action Plan Will Curb Pollution and Hasten Economic Recovery
NRCM news release Augusta, ME (December 1, 2020) — Maine Governor Janet Mills today announced the release of a new statewide Climate Action Plan detailing a series of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The new Plan is the result of more than a year Read More
A Plan to Energize Climate Action in Maine
To reduce the most severe health, environmental, and economic impacts of climate change, the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. That’s the position of the overwhelming majority of scientists, health professionals, and economists across the world, including at the University of Maine. Fortunately for Maine, Governor Mills and a bipartisan majority Read More
What Will Our Streets Look Like in the Future?
As the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19, bicycle and pedestrian advocates across the globe have a tremendous opportunity to prove that clean, human-powered transportation is a viable aspect of an environmentally and economically sustainable future. The age-old argument against closing streets down to vehicular traffic is “business will suffer if customers are unable Read More
Working Together for Healthier, More Affordable Transportation Options in Maine
The coronavirus has led many people to seek outside spaces for a breath of fresh air, exercise, and a moment of reflection. The pandemic has heightened our awareness of the importance of safe, accessible places to walk, bike, or explore. This is easier for some in Maine than it is for others. Chances are, if Read More
Clean Car Rollback Latest Attack on Environmental and Health Safeguards by Trump Administration
Maine Public Health Association | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Maine Conservation Voters | Environment Maine March 31, 2020 (Augusta, ME) – As the nation faces an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the Trump Administration continues its efforts to roll back critical science-backed safeguards that reduce pollution, protect the environment, save Americans money, Read More
Climate and Clean Energy Priorities for Maine in the Year Ahead
Maine isn’t hesitating to step up and tackle climate change head on, with new laws that set ambitious new targets for reducing pollution. And we have unrolled the welcome mat for solar and other clean energy solutions. In 2020, our biggest challenge will be making sure our actions meet our aspirations. We must grasp the Read More
Why the Maine Climate Council is Key to Bold Climate Action
States are laboratories for policy innovation, and nowhere is that happening more in Maine than on clean energy and climate action. In 2019, Governor Janet Mills and bipartisan majorities of the Legislature passed new laws aimed at improving public health and strengthening the economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Read More
3 Reasons Maine Needs the Transportation and Climate Initiative Now!
Right now, 12 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are developing a regional Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) that could help create more affordable and healthier transportation options for Mainers and lead to less pollution from cars and trucks. Today the states released a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and results of economic modeling on Read More
