March 13, 2025 (Augusta, ME) — Yesterday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released a massive, broadside attack on rules that protect public health, the climate, and our environment from air pollution, water pollution, and toxic emissions from fossil fuel power plants. On the eve of addressing a major energy conference in 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 50 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.
Flawed EIS for Kennebec Dams Ignores Calls for a Collaborative Recovery Solution
March 5, 2025 (Augusta, ME) — A final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued for four dams on Maine’s lower Kennebec River ignores the best available science and could doom endangered Atlantic salmon to extinction while harming recovery of other sea-run fish, according to a coalition of local residents, conservation organizations, and fishing groups, together with Read More
New Report: Federal Climate Programs Spur $2.2B in Investment in Maine
February 3, 2025 (Augusta, ME) – The past few years have seen Maine families, local businesses, and Wabanaki Nations benefit from at least $2.2 billion in direct and induced investments in clean technology thanks to federal funding provided by Congress, according to a new analysis issued today. For the first time, the report quantifies the Read More
Congress Approves Bill to Expand Outdoor Equity
Today, the U.S. Senate approved the bipartisan Outdoors for All Act sponsored by Senator Susan Collins. The exciting investment in the nation’s outdoor spaces now heads to President Biden to be signed into law. The Natural Resources Council of Maine issued the following statement from Federal Policy Advocate Anya Fetcher: “Access to the outdoors and Read More
Maine Finalizes Nation-Leading EPR for Packaging Program
December 5, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Board of Environmental Protection today finalized rules for a first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law that will save taxpayers money and improve recycling by holding corporations accountable for the wasteful packaging they produce. “Today’s vote is great news for Maine taxpayers and our environment,” said Read More
NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King Not to Undermine Senate Confirmation Process for Nominees
November 25, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization today urged Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to insist that the full, deliberative “advice and consent” process be pursued in the U.S. Senate for nominees to federal agencies that play a critical role in helping protect Maine’s environment. The Natural Resources Council of Read More
Updated Climate Action Plan is Opportunity for Maine to Lead
The Maine Climate Council released its updated Climate Action Plan (view PDF) today as is statutorily required under a bipartisan climate law passed in 2019. Since the first Climate Action Plan was published in 2020, the impacts of climate change have become more pronounced, causing damage to critical infrastructure, harm to local communities, and interruptions Read More
New Methane Pollution Charge Will Protect Our Health
November 15, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — A new rule announced this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at slashing harmful methane pollution will protect clean air and safeguard human health. As part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the U.S. Congress adopted the methane waste emission charge as part of the Read More
Maine Trails Bond Approved by Voters
News release Maine voters have decisively approved (55% – 45%) a first-ever $30 million Maine Trails Bond to repair and expand all types of trails statewide. The successful passage of the bond solidifies Maine’s position as a national leader in outdoor recreation to support local economic growth and expand access for all users. Starting in Read More
