Will Seek Legislative Authorization for Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Governor Baldacci announced today that he will submit to the Legislature a bill that will reduce global warming pollution from power plants by 30%. The bill will authorize Maine to formally join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a 10-state agreement to put mandatory limits on 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 Fire Commission Endorses Ban on Toxic Flame Retardant
Commission Votes 15-1 to Protect Health of Maine Children and Firefighters AUGUSTA – The Maine Fire Protection Services Commission voted 15-1 today to support a ban on a toxic flame retardant linked to learning disabilities, cancer and developmental disorders. “This is a win for the health of Maine children and firefighters,” said Matt Prindiville, Toxics Read More
Maine Governor Signs Two First-In-Nation Laws To Reduce Mercury Pollution
New Laws Will Recycle Mercury Thermostats, Ban Sale of Mercury Button Cell Batteries NRCM news release AUGUSTA, MAINE – At noon today, Maine Governor John Baldacci signed into law two new precedent-setting measures that will reduce mercury pollution. One of the laws requires manufacturers to provide the nation’s first financial incentive to recycle building thermostats Read More
Honor Baxter’s Wishes
By Buzz Caverly Bangor Daily News op-ed After attending a hearing on LD 2015, I came away feeling that there was a lack of understanding regarding Gov. Percival P. Baxter’s firm position in reference to hunting, trapping and multiple uses on lands designated as Game Preserve. I believe it is extremely important, during these discussions Read More
Vernal Pool Rules Nothing New for Maine
MAINE VOICES: Rep. Ted Koffman and Sen. Scott Cowger Portland Press Herald op-ed The Legislature’s Committee on Natural Resources has worked over the years to build on our predecessors’s work to advance a reasoned and commonsense approach to environmental conservation and public health protection. The Natural Resources Protection Act, enacted in 1987, has provided protections Read More
Environmentalists Outraged Over Ethics Finding
Boston Globe news story AUGUSTA, Maine—Environmental activists are outraged over a state ethics commission’s decision not to investigate allegations that a Wilton lawmaker used his legislative position to ease environmental standards for his paper-company employer. “They shut the door of the courtroom in our face and said you’re not allowed in,” said Steve Hinchman, attorney Read More
Ex-DEP Chief, Legislator Discussed “Trade”
By John Richardson, Portland Press Herald Writer Portland Press Herald news story Maine’s former environmental commissioner put a hold on a violation notice against a Jay paper mill to try to win support from a legislator who also works as the mill’s environmental manager, according to internal state records. Documents released this week, including memos Read More
Support of LD 1157, An Act To Protect Children from Toxic Chemicals in Schools
by Jon Hinck, NRCM toxics project director Good afternoon Senator Cowger, Representative Koffman, and members of the Natural Resources Committee. My name is Jon Hinck. I am Staff Attorney and Toxics Project Director with the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM supports LD 1157 and encourages the Committee to vote “Ought to Pass” on Read More
Urgent Environmental Issues Need Legislative Action, Says Group Representing 100,000 Mainers
News release AUGUSTA — Representing their 100,000 members across the state, more than two dozen Maine environmental organizations jointly called today for the 122nd Maine Legislature to address serious threats to Maine’s environment. “From the sky to the sea, from our forests to our rivers, Maine’s children, water, wildlife and land face daunting environmental threats,” Read More
