Throughout the spring, staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine participated in a multi-day training hosted by Wabanaki REACH, an organization dedicated to supporting the self-determination of Wabanaki people. The training, called “Decolonizing Conservation Communities,” was an incredible opportunity for our staff to learn more about the history of the land and waters of Read More
environmental justice
Maine Coalition Releases “Solar Vision” to Create Climate Action and Benefit Those Who Need it Most
Coalition for Community Solar Access news release AUGUSTA — Today, a broad coalition of climate and clean energy groups announced a collective vision for Maine to continue to invest in solar projects while benefiting all Mainers and directing millions of dollars of energy savings towards low- to moderate-income (LMI) customers. The coalition is calling on Read More
LD 718, An Act To Increase the Beneficial Reuse of Construction and Demolition Debris
Testimony in Opposition to LD 718, An Act To Increase the Beneficial Reuse of Construction and Demolition Debris Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Nichols, and I am the Sustainable Maine Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I Read More
LD 1621, An Act Regarding Environmental Justice
Testimony in Support of LD 1621, An Act Regarding Environmental Justice Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, honorable members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, my name is Josh Caldwell, and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has been working for more than 60 Read More
Legislative Session Marked Again by Big Environmental Accomplishments
Bipartisan votes on many bills highlight strong conservation ethic NRCM news release April 26, 2022 (Augusta, ME) — The Maine Legislature yet again delivered significant progress on a broad range of environmental issues that will benefit Mainers across the state, according to an analysis by the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM praised Governor Read More
Maine Closes the Out-of-State Waste Loophole
In 2022, NRCM worked with our allies from Community Action Works, the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, and Don’t Waste ME, an alliance of impacted community residents and tribal citizens to pass LD 1639. Together, we succeeded in closing a loophole that allowed toxic out-of-state waste to be disposed of in Maine’s State-owned landfill located in Read More
Color of Climate: Amplifying the Voices of Youth from Diverse Backgrounds in Maine
Idey Abdi Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to leave Maine. I thought it lacked diversity and there were not a lot of activities to do. I never got to go on family vacations or explore the beautiful state. Last summer, I got to go on a three-day trip to Acadia National Read More
Maine Should Not Be New England’s Dumping Ground
This is an old familiar tale of wealthy corporations exploiting Maine’s laws and natural resources in pursuit of profit, and the underrepresented people who are being affected banding together and fighting back. The setting for this story is Maine’s State-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill (JRL) in Old Town/Alton; its protagonists are the working-class people living adjacent Read More
Moving Beyond Good Intentions to Make Changes for More Inclusive and Just Environmental Response
In 2017, the Natural Resources Council of Maine formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee (DEIJ) made up of staff members. This year they have moved to include board members and a member of the NRCM Rising Leadership Team. I have the honor of serving as the Rising representative. NRCM formed the committee in Read More
