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.
Our View: Regional Climate Initiative is Victim of its Own Success
If regulators don’t lower the carbon cap, Maine will miss out on the benefits of efficiency projects. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial There has been so much bad news about the battle against climate change lately, it’s easy to forget that some recent news has been very good. For instance, even though Read More
Solar Bill Could Help Mainers Facing Some of Nation’s Highest Utility Rates
A bill up for vote this week means the PUC could ensure wise use of solar, despite CMP’s cockeyed arguments otherwise. by Tony Buxton, special to the Press Herald Press Herald op-ed If the Legislature passed a law making you pay your grocer for the vegetables you grow in your own garden, you would be Read More
Novel Solar Tracker in South Paris will Fuel Electric Cars – and Hopes for Inspiring Students
Installing the moveable array of panels along a well-traveled road on the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School campus will teach students about renewable energy and generate a higher profile. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state’s first solar array that tracks the sun to charge electric vehicles will be installed Read More
Time for Lawmakers to Override Solar Veto
A modest change to the way power producers are paid is what an industry needs to expand. Portland Press Herald editorial board The Legislature is supposed to be long gone by the time the summer heat has Mainers turning on their air conditioners, creating the year’s peak demand for electricity. But it’s mid-July and lawmakers Read More
Commentary: Maine Lawmakers Siding with Passing Responsible Energy Policy
Supporting L.D. 1504 with an override vote can thwart efforts to move solar policy backward. By Vaughan Woodruff, owner of Insource Renewables in Pittsfield Press Herald op-ed PITTSFIELD — In the past six years, we’ve heard some absurd energy policy positions and hypocrisy from Gov. LePage. These have ranged from puzzling public comments about the Read More
Gov. LePage Vetoes Solar ‘Net Metering’ Bill, Again
A representative for the solar installation industry accuses the governor of lying in his veto letter to change House Republicans’ votes. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — As expected, Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a solar energy bill strongly supported by environmental groups and solar installation companies. The bill, Read More
Sun Powers 20 Bowling Lanes, Video Games in Portland
By Kathleen Pierce, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — The first thing that catches your eye from the roof of Portland’s largest bowling alley is the taco-spewing Airstream trailer. This bit of retro chic is compelling, but even more significant is the vast solar array blanketing the hottest place to hang Read More
Amended Maine Solar Incentive Bill Appears Poised for Passage
House and Senate votes Wednesday indicate enough support to override a veto, but a similar bill fell short of an override after passing with veto-proof majorities last year. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that would tweak Maine’s solar “net metering” credits and direct utility regulators to Read More
More Than Two-thirds of Maine House and Senate Approve Solar Bill; Next Significant Vote Expected to be Veto Override (LD 1504, as amended)
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine House (105-40) and Senate (29-6) voted overwhelmingly in favor of a compromise solar bill to help build a prosperous future for Maine people through encouraging clean, locally produced solar power and the good jobs it delivers. The measure Read More
