By Renee Schoof, McClatchy Newspapers Bangor Daily News news story WASHINGTON —A new study of fetal exposure to BPA, a plastic additive found in some food packaging, shows that the chemical altered the mammary gland development in monkeys. The researchers reported that the changes they observed in the monkeys reinforce concerns that BPA — bisphenol Read More
Maine's environment
Portland’s Bottomless Pit: The Hefty Price of Keeping Sewage Out of Our Water
by Seth Koenig Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — On April 23, heavy rains pounded Portland. The next day, many of the city’s most recognizable water bodies were the color of sewage. “I look out my window at the bay and it’s brown,” said Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne, whose Friends of Casco Bay Read More
An Inside Perspective on the Big Energy Bills This Legislative Session: Part II
In Part 1 of this post, I wrote about Governor LePage’s energy bills, especially his attack on energy efficiency. Politically speaking, his renewable energy bill was even more fascinating. LD 1863 as first printed would have significantly undermined Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which provides policy incentives to increase the state’s energy diversity and independence through Read More
An Inside Perspective on the Big Energy Bills This Legislative Session: Part I
Despite the need to reduce energy costs and our dependence on fossil fuels, and the promise of action by Governor LePage, this past legislative session Maine achieved almost no progress towards these goals. The inside story on the governor’s two energy bills offers a fascinating look at the Administration’s take on energy, and, ultimately, their Read More
Takings Bill Takes Bad Turn
George Smith George.Smith.Maine.com blog post Unless proponents of the takings bill step up to support changes in their proposal, the issue is likely to die in the Maine Senate. Here’s the situation. Two versions of the bill emerged from the Judiciary Committee. The majority report limits action to a mediation process and legislative scrutiny, for Read More
New Program Joins Energy Audits with Weatherization Work
by Tom Groening Bangor Daily News news story BELFAST, Maine — Few people go to one car mechanic for a diagnosis of a rattle in the engine, then go to another to get the necessary repairs. But that’s the way Maine’s nascent home energy audit and weatherization work has been done. Under a new consumer Read More
Natural Resources Council of Maine Unveils New Solar Power System
by Meghan Hayward WABI-TV news story Augusta – The Natural Resources Council of Maine is celebrating this year’s Earth Day in a big way. They’re unveiling their new solar power system which includes more than 50 solar panels on their roof. “I certainly remember in my youth when Earth Day first began and it’s really Read More
Maine Environmental Group Unveils Solar Energy System
by A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Just over 40 years ago, the first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States. In observance of the event, the Natural Resources Council of Maine today unveiled its new 55-panel solar energy system designed to reduce more than 16,000 pounds of carbon pollution each year. The project is Read More
Mining Bill Passes Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature
By Jen Lynds, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill to change the state’s mining laws has been passed by lawmakers and has been sent to Gov. Paul LePage for his consideration. Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said Monday evening that LD 1853, An Act To Improve Environmental Oversight and Read More
