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
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.
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
5 Ways to Maximize Public Awareness of Your Electric Vehicle Charger
Let Folks Know about Your New Electric Vehicle Charger Installing electric vehicle chargers is a great way to help protect clean air, attract clients to your business, and provide a benefit to employees. Every year more Maine people—and visitors to Maine—are choosing to drive electric, and the choice gets easier with every publicly available charging Read More
Maine Adds Dozens of New Electric Vehicle Chargers to Growing Network
NRCM news release October 25, 2019 (Augusta, ME) — It just got easier for electric car drivers to travel throughout Maine thanks to two new high-speed charging stations opening today at the West Gardiner Service Plaza. These new “DC fast chargers” can provide hundreds of miles of range in as little as 15 minutes, just Read More
Trump Moves to Block States’ Rights to Set Clean Car Standards
NRCM News Release September 18, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – President Trump announced today he will attempt to block states, including Maine and a dozen others, which have adopted higher fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks. The move is a desperate attempt to roll back clean car standards which are supported by the automobile industry Read More
