By Norman Higgins and Sara Gideon, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A technological revolution is taking place in solar power. As solar panel technology matures, prices plummet, installation rates accelerate and new markets and businesses spring up. But Maine hasn’t benefited as much from this exciting trend as other states, even neighbors 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!
5 Myths People Hold about Solar Power in Maine
By Sharon Klein, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Maine is poised to make history this week on solar energy. Over the last year, the Office of the Public Advocate has facilitated regular meetings of local businesses, public utility representatives, lawmakers, researchers and citizen action groups to recommend legislation for increasing solar energy Read More
It’s the Ideal Time to Say Yes to a New National Park in Maine
by Kate Rush, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Conservation and the economy go hand in hand, especially in Maine. This connection is well-established and easy to see in America’s National Park System, which celebrates its 10oth anniversary in 2016. All around the United States, from the Everglades in Florida to Denali in Read More
National Monument Proposal a Historic Opportunity for Katahdin Region
It would be the first step toward the creation of a national park as well as desperately needed jobs. by Gail Fanjoy, president of the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce in Millinocket Portland Press Herald op-ed MILLINOCKET — Many residents and organizations in the Katahdin region support a proposed national monument east of Baxter State Read More
LePage Declares 2 Maine Groups ‘Enemies’
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage used an address to the Maine GOP convention over the weekend to attack what he says are the greatest enemies to prosperity in the state: the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Maine People’s Alliance. Representatives of the environmental and progressive advocacy organizations responded by Read More
Brook Trout Make Maine World-class Fishing Destination
The wild and native fish are a vital natural resource that provide an economic boost to the state. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Robert and Teresa Proctor of Atlanta have fished in New Zealand, Alaska, Chile, Belize and the Amazon. But every summer they travel to Libby Camps in Aroostook Read More
Jobs at Risk in Legislature’s Decision on Solar Energy Bill
In Pittsfield, a solar installer who has hired 10 local residents braces for the impact on his business, and maybe on his home town By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story PITTSFIELD — Solar-electric modules, inverters and heat pumps are stacked on the floor of what once was a convenience store. Long Read More
Maine Biomass Bailout Would Tap $13.4 Million in Public Funds
An amended proposal shifts the burden of the rescue plan from electricity ratepayers to taxpayers. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers’ effort to bail out Maine’s six remaining biomass energy plants has shifted from a rescue subsidized by Maine electricity ratepayers to one subsidized by Maine taxpayers. After Read More
Lawmakers Disagree on Solar Power Regulations
By Fred Bever MPBN news story Maine’s solar power industry is in trouble – that’s the word from advocates who say Republicans and the administration of Governor Paul LePage are ready to kill efforts to preserve and expand renewable energy here. But some Republicans and LePage’s chief energy advisor say they are trying to find Read More