Reveals Hydro-Quebec’s financial incentive to “green-wash” power News Release Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club, and Maine Renewable Energy Association (Augusta, ME) A new analysis released today by environmental and renewable energy organizations concludes that the transmission line through western Maine (NECEC) proposed by Central Maine Power (CMP) and Hydro-Quebec would not reduce carbon Read More
Maine Environmental News
Maine environmental news often comes quickly and with little warning. Stay up to date on Maine environment news.
From issues such as climate change, healthy waters, Maine forests and wildlife, and sustainability—and environmental policy that could impact them—you’ll find NRCM’s up-to-the-minute news releases to see our perspective on the most pressing issues facing Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife. This includes findings relating to our role as Maine’s watchdog of activities of state environmental agencies—we stand ready to blow the whistle when regulations are not enforced.
You can also find our news “round up,” News & Noteworthy, which puts the spotlight on media stories that do a particularly good job capturing current news about Maine's environment. We hope you find this part of our website helpful and informative!
Report Challenges Environmental Benefits of CMP Project
The report says hydropower from Quebec would merely be redirected to a new U.S. market and will not affect emission reductions regionally, a claim Hydro-Quebec refutes. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Hours before a much-anticipated public hearing on the merits of a new transmission line through western Maine, an analysis Read More
Sobering New U.N. Report Validates Climate Science, Economics
A price on carbon and an internationally coordinated and enforceable effort are surely the way forward. by Michael Jones, Brunswick resident and associate professor of economics emeritus at Bowdoin College Portland Press Herald op-ed BRUNSWICK — The news Monday proclaimed two remarkable, and related, events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations committee comprised Read More
U.N. Climate Report is Our Pearl Harbor Moment
The politics of division won’t work to fight a threat like global warming. Portland Press Herald editorial The events of the last two years show that Americans know how to choose up sides and fight each other. But if we had to, could we put aside our differences and fight together? We are about to Read More
Somerset County Residents Want Commissioners to Oppose CMP Power Line
In January commissioners supported the $1 billion, 145-mile CMP transmission line to carry hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts. by Doug Harlow, Staff Writer Central Maine newspapers news story SKOWHEGAN — More than two dozen people packed the Somerset County Commissioners’ meeting Wednesday afternoon with one message to the board: Reconsider your support of Central Maine Read More
Solar Suit Aims to Put Maine Back on Track
A delivery charge for electricity that does not have to be delivered is a backward policy. By The Editorial Board Central Maine newspapers editorial With every technological advance, solar energy becomes less expensive and a more attractive as an investment. Except in Maine, where the Public Utilities Commission has developed policy to fight progress. While Read More
As Demand for Recycled Material Shrinks, Consumers Can Take Action
Steps include reducing waste, learning what is accepted locally and redeeming beverage containers. by Sarah Lakeman, Special to the Press Herald Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — Global recycling markets are changing, and cities and towns across Maine are responding – some by abandoning their recycling programs. This is a big wake-up call that will Read More
Two Maine Mayors Urge Congress to Reject Effort to Undo Local Pesticides Restrictions
The Portland and South Portland officials write that the provision in a House farm bill tramples on their right to protect their cities. by Randy Billings, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The mayors of Portland and South Portland are urging Congress to reject a provision in a wide-ranging farm bill that would nullify Read More
New Rules Place At-risk Species Further in Peril
Proposals favoring industry over conservation won’t improve the Endangered Species Act. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial It says something about the politics of the time that in 1973, the Endangered Species Act passed Congress overwhelmingly – 355-4 in the House of Representatives! – before it was signed into law by Republican President Read More
