The most significant investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history has been signed into law, and it’s good news for Maine! The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will have big benefits for Maine people by making clean energy, home efficiency and electrification, and electric vehicles more affordable for everyday people. We know these Read More
electricity costs
Why Maine’s New Grid Planning Law is Good for Climate and Clean Energy
A new law passed in 2022, LD 1959, requires Maine’s utilities to undergo a transparent “integrated grid planning” process for developing a reliable electric grid that supports the transition to clean energy at the lowest possible cost. For the first time, these plans must be tied to Maine’s ambitious requirements to cut greenhouse gas emissions Read More
Groups Urge Legislature to Take Action on Clean Energy to Create Jobs and Reduce Costs
News release by the Associated General Contractors of Maine, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, and Maine Renewable Energy Association In the face of rising energy costs for Maine ratepayers caused by overreliance on natural gas and home heating oil and an urgent call from the world’s scientists to reduce fossil Read More
Why Are My Energy Bills So High? It’s Because of Fossil Fuels.
Since the fall, we’ve seen the consequences of our continued dependence on oil and gas here in Maine: Heating oil and utility gas prices have spiked, becoming unaffordable for too many Maine people. The New England grid’s reliance on expensive natural gas caused electricity prices to nearly double this winter. And now Putin’s war in Read More
Holding Maine’s Utilities Accountable
The primary pathway to meet Maine’s climate and clean energy goals will be electrifying key sectors of our economy, especially transportation and buildings, while sourcing more and more of our electricity from zero-emission sources. Clearly, this is no easy task. We all rely on electricity, and we need to transition to clean energy sources and Read More
Support of LD 1959, An Act To Ensure Transmission and Distribution Utility Accountability
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology, my name is Rebecca Schultz. I am the Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am testifying in support of LD 1959, with suggested changes to strengthen the legislation. We believe Read More
Support of LD 1708, An Act to Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit Utility, to Deliver Lower Rates, Reliability and Local Control for Maine Energy Independence
Addressing Climate Change Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. My name is David Costello. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in support of LD 1708, An Act to Create the Pine Read More
Updated Building Codes Will Help Mainers Save Money
As Maine’s new Climate Action Plan notes, modernizing homes and businesses to use cleaner energy, increase energy efficiency, and utilize lower-carbon building materials can both reduce pollution and enhance the health and prosperity of Maine people. A key step toward these goals is updating Maine’s outdated building energy codes, also known as the Maine Uniform Read More
Maine Environmental Groups Praise U.S. Leadership at International Climate Summit
News Release by the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Conservation Voters April 22, 2021 (Augusta, Maine) — Maine environmental groups say that the two-day Leaders Summit on Climate convened today by President Joe Biden has returned the United States to a position of global leadership on climate action that will deliver real benefits Read More
