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 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.
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
Bill Seeks to Reduce Ratepayer Costs and Health Risks Associated with Natural Gas
Office of the Public Advocate | CLF Maine | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Sierra Club Maine Maine’s Public Advocate and Clean Energy Groups Partnering to Tackle the Problem A bill being considered by the Maine Legislature this year seeks to address the looming customer risks associated with utility gas infrastructure expansion, as well as Read More
January 24, 2024—Zoom in: Maine’s Environment in the 2024 Legislative Session
It’s a new year and a new legislative session in Augusta. Thanks to all of you who joined us online for this Zoom webinar to hear from NRCM advocacy and outreach staff about our priority bills and what they’ll do, and we answered questions and discussed ways you can use your voice to help pass Read More
Behind the Scenes: How Maine Modernized the Bottle Bill
Maine’s most effective recycling and litter reduction program just got a major upgrade! Two new laws passed this year make long awaited upgrades to the Bottle Bill that will help keep local redemption centers and make sure Mainers are able to redeem their bottles and cans well into the future. During the summer of 2022 Read More
