Marking an Important Step for Maine Energy Policy Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Project Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Governor LePage has allowed a solar energy bill that passed through the Legislature with overwhelming support to become law without his signature. This is good news for our economy, clean air, and Maine’s efforts 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.
Legislature Rejects Weak Mining Rules; Sends Bill to Governor
Statement of Nick Bennett, NRCM Staff Scientist “The Maine House and Senate have given final approval to LD 1772, a resolve rejecting the weak metal mining rules from the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP). The Natural Resources Council of Maine appreciates the work of legislators in both houses to defeat these weak rules that would have Read More
Without Solar Incentive Program, Maine Misses Energy Opportunity
But a proposed measure would help the state develop plentiful and cost-effective energy solutions. by Sen. Eloise Vitelli Portland Press Herald op-ed ARROWSIC — Mainers want and deserve access to an affordable way to generate power for our homes and businesses. Collectively, Mainers spend an average of $5 billion a year on out-of state fossil Read More
Legislature Gives Final Approval to Bill that Sets Solar Goals for Maine
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today the Maine Legislature gave near unanimous support and final approval to a landmark bill that seeks to increase the use of solar energy in Maine. LD 1652 is good news for our economy, clean air, and Maine’s energy independence because it lays Read More
Maine Small Business Owners Urge LePage to Allow Solar Bill to Become Law
Say LD 1252 Will Strengthen Economy and Increase Jobs for Small Businesses Through Greater Investments in Solar Energy and Heat Pumps NRCM news release Augusta, ME – Small businesses gathered today to urge Governor LePage to allow a solar bill to become law, now that it has passed the Legislature with bipartisan support. More than 20 Read More
History Shows Mining’s Consequences: Rules to Protect Maine’s Environment are Insufficient
By Fred Kircheis, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed I have observed mines and mining operations on three continents and in many countries. What too many have in common are the contaminated waters, decimated fish populations, polluted air and destroyed landscapes left behind. Those consequences elsewhere — and in Maine — should be Read More
House Passes Bill with Rebates for Solar Panels, Heat Pumps
by Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story A bill that seeks to expand the use of photovoltaic solar panels in Maine and is funded with a fee to electric ratepayers passed the State House on Wednesday with what appears to be broad bipartisan support. Key to the support was an amendment to Read More
After Missed Deadlines, Maine Dam Relicensing Bill Gains Support
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection would be required to notify lawmakers when hydropower licenses are up for renewal. By Kevin Miller, Washington Bureau Chief Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Lawmakers moved Monday to increase their oversight of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection after the agency failed to exercise the state’s right to Read More
LePage: Cut Down More Public Trees to Pay for Heating Efficiency Programs.
The governor said that heat pumps, not solar rebates, are key to the state’s energy future. By Matt Byrne, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage and officials at the state energy office announced plans Tuesday to increase logging on public lands and use the new revenue to help Mainers convert inefficient Read More
