When it comes to tackling the complex environmental issues facing our state, nation, and world, it is always the case that we are stronger when we work together. That’s why the Natural Resources Council of Maine was proud to join with legislators and nonprofit partners at the State House yesterday morning for the unveiling of Read More
State House Watch
Mills’ Call for Climate Action Big News for Environmental Leaders
Company leaders for one renewable energy business say LePage-era policy discouraged solar growth. They’re hopeful Gov. Mills will push for expansion of solar. by Don Carrigan News Center Maine news story Watch full news video. AUGUSTA, Maine — As Gov. Janet Mills starts work, she has made it clear that a top priority will be Read More
Mills Picks Attorney for Environmental Protection Chief
If confirmed, Jerry Reid would lead the DEP’s efforts to protect and restore Maine’s natural resources and enforce the state’s environmental laws. by Randy Billings, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov.-elect Janet Mills continued to assemble her Cabinet on Tuesday by nominating a fellow attorney to lead the Department of Environmental Protection. Mills, Read More
Maine PUC Stops Tax on Medium & Large Customers Using Their Own Solar Power
Determines “gross metering” costs ratepayers too much NRCM News Release Today the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted a petition from Insource Renewables to suspend so-called “gross metering” for medium and large electricity users, citing excessive costs to all ratepayers to implement the policy. “Gross metering” was adopted by the PUC two years ago to Read More
Maine’s Solar Policy is More Costly than Expected. Lawmakers Can Lessen This Cost.
By Vaughan Woodruff, founder of Insource Renewables. He lives with his family in Pittsfield. Bangor Daily News op-ed During the past eight years, solar policy in Maine has been a polarizing topic in Augusta. Entering Gov. Paul LePage’s first term, solar rebates were available for residents and business owners. The state’s net metering policy, which requires Read More
Maine’s Top Court Says Appeal of Changes to Solar Incentives Must Go to Lower Court
Thursday’s ruling is a blow to solar advocates who have fought the new rule that reduces credits to homeowners. By Megan Doyle, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has dismissed a legal challenge to a controversial new solar energy rule, saying the dispute should go to a lower court Read More
Ignoring Climate Change Puts Mainers in Danger
Politics has stifled research that would have helped the state prepare for a warming planet. Central Maine Newspapers editorial Policy driven by research works better than science driven by politics. Witness Maine, which experienced a historic explosion in its tick population, and not coincidentally, a 20-fold increase in Lyme disease diagnoses between 2000 and 2016 Read More
Maine Shouldn’t Go Backward on Ozone Regulations
Bangor Daily News editorial Ozone is harmful, sometimes deadly, pollutant. Maine has worked with 11 other states to our west and south to successfully reduce ozone levels. But the pollutant remains problematic, especially in the summer when the Maine Department of Environmental Protection issues warnings about high ozone levels encouraging people at risk for respiratory Read More
Judge Tosses Challenge of Order Halting Wind Turbines
by Marina Villeneuve, The Associated Press Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — A judge has tossed a legal challenge of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s executive order halting wind turbine permits in parts of Maine, while leaving the door open to revisit the topic. Superior Court Justice Andrew Horton said in his decision Friday Read More
