Portland Press Herald news story In a stinging setback for the Bush administration, a federal appeals court sided with Maine and 13 other states Friday and blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from easing clean air rules on aging power plants, refineries and factories. Industry representatives had lobbied hard for the rule changes, arguing that the Read More
Energy Efficiency
NRCM supports energy efficiency technologies and initiatives that benefit Maine. For too long, Maine—and the U.S.—has been reliant upon fossil fuels for our energy needs. These dirty energy sources—oil, coal, gas—contribute to global warming pollution and other air pollution that leads to serious health and environmental issues in Maine. This addiction to dirty energy also hinders progress toward the increased energy independence our country and our state need.
NRCM's top energy priority is advocating for greater energy efficiency and conservation, as that is consistently the cheapest, cleanest way to combat Maine’s environmental problems while reducing energy pollution.
Maine has created momentum and infrastructure for energy efficiency improvements. Now, Maine needs a longer-term strategy to maximize energy efficiency and weatherization in our homes and businesses, boost business growth, and slash energy costs.
Building Green is Good for Business
Portland Press Herald editorial Commercial and residential buildings consume one-third of the energy used in the United States. They use two-thirds of all electricity. About a third of carbon dioxide emissions and other emissions that harm air quality and contribute to global warming are emitted by buildings. They generate waste during construction and operation. So Read More
Building Rises to ‘Green’ Challenge
By Tux Turkel, Portland Press Herald Writer Portland Press Herald news story Travelers on Interstate 295 in Portland may notice a four-story medical office being completed next to the DoubleTree Hotel. The architecture won’t grab their attention. Few drivers will see anything extraordinary about the building. It’s what people can’t see that makes this new Read More
Efficiency Maine Deserves a Boost
Portland Press Herald editorial Last is no place to be when the topic is saving energy during an era of record prices. Yet that’s where Maine is – last among New England states in the amount of energy saved by business, industrial and residential consumers. Not surprisingly, Maine is also last in the amount of Read More
NRCM Comments in Regard to LD 669’s Report, Maine Energy Policy: Overview and Opportunities for Improvement
by Sue Jones, NRCM energy project director Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (Council). The Council is a public interest, nonprofit organization that seeks to protect and conserve Maine’s environment for now and future generations. As part of the Council’s work, we advocate on Read More
State of Maine Offers Rebate on Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
On February 26, Governor Baldacci and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) launched the Energy Star Residential Lighting Program to promote the use of energy efficient lighting and to reduce electricity consumption in Maine homes. The program offers instant rebates for Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lamps and fixtures. Maine residents can save $2 on Read More
Down East Region Spared 84-Mile Transmission Line
NRCM news release Emera, the parent company of Bangor Hydro, has decided not to move forward at this time with a proposed 170-foot wide, 84-mile transmission line that would have bisected Hancock and Washington Counties, running between Orrington, north of Bangor, and Baileyville, on the New Brunswick border. This massive new transmission line was strongly Read More
