Clean air is essential for healthy, happy lives. Clean, renewable energy helps ensure clean air. NRCM works for policies and initiatives that will improve Maine's air quality and reduce global warming pollution throughout the state and region.
NRCM’s climate and clean energy work is focused on where we can have the greatest impact: cleaner cars and trucks, clean and renewable energy production, and greater energy efficiency.
Our work in these key areas is critical to reducing health and environmental problems already plaguing our state. These include high asthma rates, more “bad air days,” rising sea levels due to climate change that threaten coastal communities, and threats to our fall foliage, skiing, and our vital tourism-based industry.
NRCM makes certain that Maine's elected officials and decision-makers are kept up to date about information related to climate change pollution, clean energy technologies, and steps Maine can take to ensure clean air.
CMP Disguises Its Latest Bid to Increase Mainers’ Electricity Bills
Accountability and Affordability Must Be at the Center of Efforts to Scrutinize CMP’s Rate Increase On Friday April 17, Central Maine Power (CMP) files its latest proposal to increase Mainers’ electricity bills. As we review the company’s filing, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) will be focused on two ways to reduce electricity prices Read More
What You Need to Know about Maine’s New Plug-in Solar Law
A new plug-in solar law passed in April 2026 clears the way for Maine renters, homeowners, and local business owners to take advantage of clean, cheap solar power to reduce their electricity bills. These small, portable solar panels are expected to generate a lot of interest because they’ll give Mainers the opportunity to generate solar power Read More
Maine Legislature Enacts Bill to Document Harm Caused to Communities from Climate Change
Conservation Law Foundation | Maine Conservation Voters | Maine People’s Alliance | Maine Youth for Climate Justice | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Sierra Club Maine | Third Act Maine | Union of Concerned Scientists | Climate Defenders LD 1870 was enacted by both the Maine House and Senate. It is with the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, awaiting Read More
Plug-in Solar Bill Passes Maine Legislature
A Climate to Thrive (ACTT) | Maine Climate Action Now (MCAN) | Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) A Positive Step to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis April 3, 2026 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Legislature gave final approval on Thursday April 2 to a bill (LD 1730) that will allow residents to install compact Read More
NRCM Joins Coalition Suing Trump EPA Over Illegal Repeal of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
Lawsuit challenges rollback that allows more mercury, lead, and other toxic pollution from fossil fuel power plants Augusta, ME (March 30, 2026) – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) joined a lawsuit filed today by a national coalition of public health, environmental, and community advocates, challenging the Trump Administration’s repeal of standards that limit toxic mercury, lead, and other hazardous air pollution from Read More
Four Ways Maine Can Address the Energy Impact of Data Centers
The construction of new data centers has attracted a lot of attention around the country, and here in Maine. Large data centers, whether they’re built to support artificial intelligence (AI) development, cryptocurrency mining, or other purposes, can have sizeable impacts on surrounding communities, including the use of enormous amounts of electricity. While other states have Read More
How Investing in More Transportation Choices for Maine Will Cut Infrastructure Costs
Maine is facing a major transportation funding problem. By 2027, the Maine Highway Fund is projected to be $280 million short of what is needed to cover transportation expenses. This comes at a time when Americans are experiencing soaring transportation costs and congestion, and when funding for affordable solutions to meet everyday travel needs is Read More
How a Maine Climate Superfund Will Help Local Maine Towns Like Mine
Last October, the City of Bath passed a resolution in support of LD 1870 — for the state to establish a Climate Superfund and make big fossil fuel companies pay for the climate impacts we are experiencing in Maine. The City of Rockland and the Town of Yarmouth passed similar resolutions. Other municipalities around the state are considering doing the same. I can’t speak on behalf Read More
How the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Invests in Maine
Maine people have always valued our woods, waters, and wildlife, tried to reduce waste whenever possible, and worked to find solutions that lower costs so families and businesses wherever we are in the state can flourish. Maine’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) program is a great example of our shared values. RGGI Read More
