On behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, I want to express our deep appreciation for Senator Angus King’s vital vote that blocked legislation that would have allowed construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The pipeline would let Canadian companies pump toxic tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast, where Read More
Clean Water
Clean, healthy waterways are vital to our day-to-day lives. They help ensure safe drinking water, suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make Maine a special place to live, work, and visit. NRCM is working hard to protect and restore Maine’s lakes, rivers, and streams, now and for generations to come.
We Stand Ready: A Post-Election Message
The elections are behind us, and we face big challenges. The LePage Administration has proven hostile toward existing environmental protections for the last four years and has put up numerous roadblocks to progress. In addition, we have lost some strong advocates at the Legislature as a result of the elections. That is the bad news. Read More
TransCanada Seeks Permit to Build North America’s Longest Tar Sands Oil Pipeline
Maine groups react in strong opposition News Release Portland/Augusta Maine – Today international energy giant TransCanada applied for permits to build its Energy East pipeline to carry tar sands oil from Alberta to Quebec and New Brunswick. Leading conservation groups in Maine denounced the plan. If approved, the pipeline would be the largest in North Read More
Public Input Enhanced in Maine’s New Dam Law
Legislation to give sportsmen and waterfront property owners a greater say in relicensing passes in response to DEP having missed deadlines in 2013. By Dennis Hoey, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A new law that takes effect Friday will ensure increased public input, greater legislative oversight and more transparency whenever a dam has Read More
Comments by NRCM at South Portland City Council Final Vote on Clear Skies Ordinance
Comments of Lisa Pohlmann, Natural Resources Council of Maine Executive Director We again would like to congratulate the City Council for its diligent and transparent management of this process. Protecting the health and well-being of the people of South Portland is an enormous responsibility. Mayor Jalbert: you and the rest of the Council have risen Read More
Stopping the Tar Sands Pipeline
Tar sands rally on Maine State Pier, January 26, 2013 Tar sands oil is the dirtiest and most climate-destructive form of oil in the world. Extracted from huge open-pit mines in Alberta, Canada, tar sands oil is 20% more carbon intensive than conventional crude oil. When it spills, it is almost impossible to clean up. Read More
A Kennebec for the Generations
Fifteen years ago, the efforts of the passionate souls at the Natural Resources Council of Maine resulted in the removal of the Edwards Dam in Augusta. I didn’t work here then but I’m quite certain that, just as it is today, the culture here was one of steadfast resolve to protect the nature of Maine. Read More
Kennebec River Rebounds After Edwards Dam Removal
by Danielle Waugh WCSH-6 TV news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — It’s been 15 years since the removal of the Edwards Dam, and the water and wildlife of the Kennebec River has changed dramatically. On July 1, 1999, the 900-foot dam breached, restoring a free-flowing Kennebec River for the first time in 160 years. Read More
Clean Water Act Protections Vital to Maine Environment, Economy, People
Mainers who care about water quality should contact the EPA during a public comment period. By Nick Bennett Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — Do you hunt or fish in Maine? Do you swim in Maine’s lakes or rivers? Do you drink Maine’s water? Do you own or work for a company that uses water? If Read More
