(Augusta, ME) – A bill to strengthen water quality statewide through modest changes to Maine’s septic system rules has been signed into law by Governor Janet Mills after receiving overwhelming approval from lawmakers. The changes were specifically crafted not to increase the burden on property owners but rather to ensure new septic systems being installed Read More
Maine Legislature
The Natural Resources Council of Maine reviews every bill being considered by the Maine Legislature to determine which ones deserve support and which ones should be opposed based on their potential impact on Maine’s environment. Read more about the bills we are following and taking action on.
Solar Supporters to Lawmakers: Clean Energy Powers Jobs, Cuts Costs for Maine Families
Dozens gather at State House to urge clean energy investments Power Maine Forward news release AUGUSTA, ME – More than a hundred Mainers gathered at the State House on Thursday to remind lawmakers that clean energy creates jobs and reduces costs for working families. The supporters of clean energy lined the halls of the State Read More
Bill Will Power Maine Forward with 100% Clean Energy by 2040
May 5, 2025 (Augusta, ME) – A bill being considered by the Maine Legislature aims to reduce reliance on expensive oil and gas by ensuring homes, businesses, and vehicles are powered with 100% clean, affordable electricity by 2040. LD 1868 sponsored by Senator Mark Lawrence would expand Maine’s existing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 90% Read More
2025 Environmental Priorities in Maine
The start of the legislative session in Maine is always an exciting time. A time of promise and possibilities. This year, we’re focused on advancing progress for Maine’s environment and communities by acting on climate, expanding access to the outdoors for all, and safeguarding a healthy environment. Nearly 2,200 bills have been filed, and we’ve Read More
Maine Trails Bond Approved by Legislature
Proposal to invest $30 million on trails headed to November ballot April 16, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Legislature today approved the Maine Trails Bond that would provide $30 million over four years to invest in the design, development, and maintenance of trails statewide. In a strong show of bipartisan support, the House voted 133-6, Read More
Support of LD 1471 as Amended to Codify Major Substantive Changes to Chapter 200 (Mining Rules)
Good afternoon, Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the ENR Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am commenting in support of the Department of Environmental Read More
Syncing Utility Performance with Maine’s Clean Energy Goals
It may come as a surprise that our utilities’ profits aren’t based on how the companies perform. A bill before the Maine Legislature would help correct that. LD 2172 gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the authority to use a suite of tools that help calibrate utility profits with performance. It also sets in motion Read More
Statewide Coalition Calls on Legislature to Send Maine Trails Bond to November Ballot
News release Feb 29, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – More than 500 organizations, businesses, and towns from across the state today urged lawmakers to pass a $30 million Maine Trails Bond so Maine voters will have an opportunity to support it on the November ballot. In a statement to lawmakers, the remarkably broad statewide coalition said Read More
Bill to Allow Reusable Containers Approved by Maine Legislature
Update: LD 2091 was signed into law on March 6, 2024 News release When Castine business owner Kate Pilotte wanted to offer her meal kit customers reusable packaging, she was told Maine food regulations would not allow it. Kate then asked her State Senator to file a bill that would amend state law so local Read More
