“Meeting the Moment” weaves policy priorities for land and water protections, healthy people, affordable energy, Wabanaki sovereignty, and improved government systems into a 5-year blueprint for action AUGUSTA, ME – More than a dozen leading environmental and community health organizations released a comprehensive policy guide today, aimed at educating the public and future lawmakers about Read More
News Release
The Natural Resources Council of Maine creates news releases on issues related to our work. We are a nonprofit membership organization protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine’s environment, now and for future generations. We release news as necessary to inform our members, the general public, businesses, and others about threats and opportunities related to Maine’s environment. Often, these news releases are coupled with press conferences, and, as opportunity arises, they include steps people can take to get involved or take action. For more than 65 years, the Natural Resources Council of Maine has been protecting the places and way of life that make Maine so special.
For media inquiries for NRCM, please contact Colin Durrant by email or (207) 430-0103.
On Earth Day, Experts Highlight Health, Environmental Impacts of US EPA Cuts
April 22, 2026, Gardiner, ME — Scientists and public health experts gathered on Wednesday, Earth Day, on the banks of the Kennebec River at Gardiner’s Waterfront Park to draw attention to the health and economic costs to Maine people as a result of dramatic cuts and rollbacks by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Speakers Read More
NRCM Names Respected Nonprofit Leader Justin Strasburger as Next Executive Director
April 8, 2026 (Augusta, ME) – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) Board of Directors has selected Justin Strasburger as the next Executive Director of the state’s leading nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting Maine’s environment. Strasburger will join NRCM on April 13 after nearly two decades in impact-driven nonprofit leadership, including, most recently, as the Read More
Maine Legislature Enacts Bill to Document Harm Caused to Communities from Climate Change
Conservation Law Foundation | Maine Conservation Voters | Maine People’s Alliance | Maine Youth for Climate Justice | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Sierra Club Maine | Third Act Maine | Union of Concerned Scientists | Climate Defenders LD 1870 was enacted by both the Maine House and Senate. It is with the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, awaiting Read More
New Law Will Make It Easier to Recycle Batteries in Maine
April 6, 2026 (Augusta, ME) – A bill to make it easier to recycle lithium-ion and single-use batteries in Maine has been signed into law by Governor Janet Mills. LD 474 updates the state’s product stewardship laws to require that manufacturers help set up recycling programs for these batteries so they can be safely disposed of and rare earth metals can Read More
Plug-in Solar Bill Passes Maine Legislature
A Climate to Thrive (ACTT) | Maine Climate Action Now (MCAN) | Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) A Positive Step to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis April 3, 2026 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Legislature gave final approval on Thursday April 2 to a bill (LD 1730) that will allow residents to install compact Read More
NRCM Joins Coalition Suing Trump EPA Over Illegal Repeal of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
Lawsuit challenges rollback that allows more mercury, lead, and other toxic pollution from fossil fuel power plants Augusta, ME (March 30, 2026) – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) joined a lawsuit filed today by a national coalition of public health, environmental, and community advocates, challenging the Trump Administration’s repeal of standards that limit toxic mercury, lead, and other hazardous air pollution from Read More
Maine Environmental and Health Groups Oppose EPA Decision to Overturn Endangerment Finding
Alliance of Maine Health Professionals for Climate Action | Appalachian Mountain Club | Conservation Law Foundation | Defend Our Health | Friends of Acadia | Friends of Casco Bay | Maine Audubon | Maine Conservation Voters | Maine Medical Association | Maine Public Health Association | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Physicians for Social Read More
Congress Passes Environmental Budget that Largely Avoids Drastic Cuts
January 16, 2026 (Augusta, ME) – The U.S. House and Senate have passed a bipartisan budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental agencies that largely avoids drastic cuts proposed by the Trump Administration and its allies in Congress. Environmental advocates in Maine said they appreciated the work to build a compromise but noted that even with this agreement, the EPA’s FY2026 budget will now be at an all-time low. The spending Read More
