The PUC cuts Efficiency Maine’s funding from $60 million to $22 million, a decision that many think will raise electricity bills by shrinking weatherization and heating-system programs. By Dennis Hoey. Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to restrict funding for energy efficiency programs, drawing harsh criticism Read More
Climate
Climate change and global warming pollution harm Maine people, wildlife, and our environment. Among the highest rates of childhood asthma in the nation, rising seas and severe storms battering our coastal homes and towns, warming and more acidic oceans threatening fisheries, too many “bad air days,” more and more tick-borne diseases, threats to our fall foliage and winter tourism industries—these are among the many health, environmental, and economic problems climate change pollution is causing here in Maine.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine is working to reduce climate-changing pollution by making Maine more energy efficient. We work to provide clean, renewable energy and cleaner more efficient vehicles that will reduce Maine’s contribution to air pollution and climate change to ensure Maine people and wildlife have clean air to breathe.
Maine PUC Votes to Limit Energy Efficiency Savings for Maine Residents and Businesses
LePage Appointees Vote to Ignore and Subvert Legislative Intent News release Augusta, ME – In a surprising and unfortunate development, Mainers will be paying higher electric bills because the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today voted (2-1) to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs that reduce electricity costs for Maine homes and businesses, despite Read More
South Portland Hires Boston Law Firm to Defend Clear Skies Ordinance
by Alex Acquisto, The Forecaster staff The Forecaster news story SOUTH PORTLAND — The Boston law firm Foley Hoag will defend the city against a lawsuit filed last month by Portland Pipe Line Corp. The City Council, as expected, unanimously approved the hiring Monday night. In the nine-count lawsuit, Portland Pipe Line and American Waterways Read More
Maine PUC’s Solar Power Study Released Today Shows Enormous Benefits
Rooftop Solar Power Delivers More Value Than Electricity Derived From Power Plants News Release Augusta, ME – The Maine Public Utilities Commission has released a study that gives a quantitative value for solar power produced in Maine. The study was in response to legislation passed last year. It focused on “distributed” solar, meaning solar that is Read More
Senator King and I: Touring Mt. Abram, the Mountain that’s Gone Solar and Beyond
Looking for a good excuse to head to the slopes? Mt. Abram ski area offers plenty, and they’re good for Maine’s environment. On February 16, I had the great pleasure of joining Senator Angus King for a tour of the Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine. This locally owned, family-friendly ski area now hosts the second-largest Read More
Ocean Scientists Report “Unprecedented” Spike in Sea Level Off Portland Several Years Ago
Casco Bay waters rose by 5 inches during a peak period in 2009-10, and more extreme fluctuations are likely, increasing the threat of coastal flooding. By Eric Russell, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Sea levels off Portland rose by 5 inches during 2009 and 2010 as part of what researchers called an “unprecedented” Read More
LePage Joins Governor Coalition That’s Working to Expand Offshore Drilling
The group’s first member from the Northeast says the state could benefit from more natural gas exploration, and some ask: Is he eyeing the Gulf of Maine? By Steve Mistler. Portland Press Herald Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has joined a coalition of governors supporting offshore drilling and exploration for Read More
Senator King at Mt. Abram Ski Area to Promote Clean Energy Solutions to Climate Change
Ski Area Showcases Investments in Solar, Biomass, Efficiency to Lower Costs and Emissions News release Greenwood, ME – Today U.S. Senator Angus King toured clean energy projects, including an 803-panel solar installation, wood pellet-fired heating system, and an electric car charging station, at the Mt. Abram ski area. King said clean energy solutions Read More
North American Sightings of Elusive Snowy Owls Take Flight
By Barbara Goldberg, Reuters Bangor Daily News news story NEW YORK — The elusive snowy owl, rarely seen outside the Arctic, is turning up more frequently in the skies of North America than it does in the pages of a Harry Potter book, data from the National Audubon Society suggested on Wednesday. Sightings of the Read More
