The Danish island of Samsø becomes a classroom and source of inspiration for a group of Maine students and residents. By Mary Pols, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story There are 4,613 islands in the state of Maine, 15 of them inhabited year-round by people who understand that on a Maine island, the wind 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 climate change 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.
2014 NRCM Conservation Leadership Awards Announced, Including Lifetime Achievement Award for Wellehans
NRCM news release Augusta, ME – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the state’s leading nonprofit membership organization working to protect Maine’s land, air, water, and wildlife, has named its 2014 Conservation Leadership Award winners. Award recipients will be honored at a special event Wednesday, October 15 from 5–7:00 p.m., at Maple Hill Farm Read More
CMP Seeks to Raise Rates for Solar Producers
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story The Maine Public Utilities Commission is taking public testimony tonight in Portland on a Central Maine Power Co. rate restructuring plan that critics say would discourage Mainers from investing in renewable energy and also raise fixed monthly fees on both residential and business customers. As Susan Sharon reports, several Read More
Environmentalists, Energy Firms Spar Over LePage’s Bill to Increase Timber Harvest
By Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Environmentalists and energy companies are lining up on opposite sides of a bill by Gov. Paul LePage to increase the state’s timber harvest and use the new revenue to pay for residential energy efficiency programs. The plan would slowly increase the public Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1838, An Act To Expand Affordable Heating Investments with Maine’s Public Resources
Good afternoon Senator Vitelli, Representative Dill, and members of the Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna. I am testifying today on behalf of NRCM’s 16,000 members and supporters in opposition to L.D. 1838. We oppose this legislation because it undermines the integrity of the public lands trust fund by Read More
Omnibus Bill Represents Big Step Forward on State Energy Policy
The measure addresses transmission costs and efforts to step up efficiency and fight global warming. by Dylan Voorhees and Beth A. Nagusky Portland Press Herald op-ed You may find it surprising that we agree with Gov. LePage that Maine’s energy costs are significantly higher than they need to be. For more than a decade, Maine Read More
On the Road to Climate Action. Washington, DC, Here We Come!
The sun sets on a great day of climate action What an amazing day! We were just featured on the WCSH-6 TV news at 6:00. We have gotten back to the bus and are headed home. Hopefully the wind and snow have stopped by the time we get home tomorrow morning. Please share your thoughts about the Read More
“Locally Written” Gift Ideas
If you’re like me, you still have plenty of holiday shopping to do. After all, there’s nearly a full week to go before the Great Unwrapping. When it comes to purchasing presents, I buy locally made gifts as much as possible—and that includes “locally written.” Several NRCM members have some very lovely offerings this year. Read More
NRCM Wins U.S. Green Building Council Award
NRCM Press Release Portland, ME —The US Green Building Council’s Maine Chapter has awarded its 2012 Advocate of the Year Award to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The award recognizes NRCM’s outstanding efforts to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in Maine, as well as a myriad of other efforts to protect Maine’s environment Read More
