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.
Global Warming Brings More Oddball Winter Weather to Maine
Citizens Detail Impacts and Call for Action at Augusta News Conference NRCM news release Today spokespeople met at the State House to share public safety, business, municipal, forestry, wildlife and conservation perspectives on “Odd-ball Winter Weather: Global Warming’s Wake-Up Call for the Northern United States.” The Northeast and Maine will experience more thin ice and Read More
Rules for Polar Plunges? Who Knew There Were Rules?
My coworker Leisa and I were interested in learning more about ways to stay safe and warm during our polar plunge, happening on Thursday in Portland. The first rule is: DON’T sign up to do the plunge. We wish we had known that rule sooner. We did find some helpful “Polar Plunge Tips” on NaBloPoMo.com. They Read More
Joint Comments of NRCM, Maine Audubon, and AMC to LURC Regarding Expansion of Expedited Permitting Area
To: Commissioners, Maine Land Use Regulation Commission cc: Marcia Spencer-Famous, Catherine Carroll Dear LURC Commissioners: We have been following the Commission’s discussions around TransCanada’s rulemaking petition and are encouraged that the Commission recognizes that TransCanada’s petition to expand the expedited permitting area will set important precedents for how all future petitions are considered. We appreciate that Read More
Maine Sportsmen Call on Senators Snowe and Collins to Lead Passage of Federal Climate Change Legislation
Leaders of Maine’s sporting traditions say Maine’s hunting and fishing heritage and economy depends on passing strong climate and energy legislation NRCM news release BREWER, Maine—Gathered in force today at a historic sporting clubhouse on the banks of the Penobscot River, leaders of Maine’s hunting and fishing traditions joined scientists, current and former state officials, Read More
Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Wind Power
And passage of federal climate and energy legislation NRCM news release A recent poll conducted by Portland-based Critical Insights shows that 90% of Maine people support the development of wind power as a source of electricity. Nearly nine in ten Mainers agree that wind power can improve energy security and reduce Maine’s dependence on fossil Read More
“Momentum is Building for Clean Energy Future”
Google’s Top Climate and Energy Expert Tells Maine Audience NRCM news release In a keynote address to a Portland audience Wednesday evening, a spokesperson from internet powerhouse Google described his company’s vision of a clean energy future for the United States. Dan Reicher, Google’s Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, predicted that renewable energy Read More
Clean Energy Jobs Expanding in Maine: 2,500 Maine Businesses Involved in Wind Power, Solar, and Energy Efficiency
NRCM news release Bangor – According to a new analysis released today by the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the development of wind power and renewable energy and the expansion of energy efficiency programs are generating significant jobs in Maine today, and the potential for future job growth is large. “By our count, over Read More
Maine House Unanimously Passes An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future, 137-0
NRCM news release Today the Maine House voted 137-0 to pass “An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future.” The bill was drafted by a joint select committee created this session by Speaker Hannah Pingree and Senate President Libby Mitchell. The bill sets ambitious goals to weatherize 100% of Maine residences and half of Maine businesses by Read More
NRCM Supports Record Hill Wind Power Project
Would generate enough clean electricity annually to power 20,000 homes Citing the benefits of clean renewable power to Maine people and our environment, the Natural Resources Council of Maine today announced its support for the 55megawatt (MW) Record Hill Wind Power Project proposed to be developed in Roxbury, Maine. A permit application currently is being Read More
