But two resolutions passed by the Senate would block President Obama’s plan to cut greenhouse gases. by Matthew Daly, The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher new limits on Tuesday on smokestack emissions from nearly two dozen states that burden downwind areas with air pollution from Read More
public health
Portland Citizens’ Group Proposes Broad Pesticide Ban
The Portland Protectors join a growing movement with a plan for limiting the use of outdoor bug and weed killers. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A group of Portland residents has proposed what would be the strongest municipal restriction on the sale and use of controversial outdoor bug and weed Read More
New Clean Water Rule Vital to Protect Our Rivers
Sens. Collins and King have an important role to play in restoring protections for wetlands and headwater streams. By Landis Hudson Kennebec Journel op-ed It’s hard to fathom the truly hideous condition our rivers were in before Congress approved the Clean Water Act 43 years ago. Steve Brooke didn’t use the word that usually comes Read More
Lots of Effort Went Into Writing Maine’s Mining Rules, But They’re Still Too Weak
By Hendrik Gideonse, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed For three months I’ve been part of a tiny handful of citizens watching a drive to approve weakened metallic mining regulations that threaten Maine’s precious environment and that challenge the very character of Maine’s democracy. We have attended a dozen-plus mining hearings and work Read More
Healthy Pregnancies Depend on Good Information about Toxic Chemicals
Maine lawmakers should pass the Healthy Kids Bill introduced by Rep. Sara Gideon, D-Freeport. By Dr. Jeff Peterson Portland Press Herald op-ed When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, usually one of the first things she does is seek out information from books or health care professionals about what she should and shouldn’t be Read More
Opposition to LD 1045, An Act to Modify the Laws Regarding the Collection and Recycling of Mercury-added Thermostats
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 1045. While we oppose this bill, we do believe Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 817, An Act Regarding Aerial Pesticide Spray Projects
Good afternoon, Senator Edgecomb, Representative Hickman and members of the committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the North Woods Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am speaking today on behalf of NRCM’s 16,000 members and supporters in opposition to LD 817. This bill makes a number of Read More
Maine Digs In to Review Mining Rules in Fight Over Remote Mountain
Canadian conglomerate faces off against environmentalists, tourism industry; compromise appears possible by Jon Kamp Wall Street Journal news story Closely held Irving, the state’s largest landowner, was the main driver behind a 2012 law that directed state regulators to replace 1991 mining rules, lawmakers say. The law’s proponents, including Republican Gov. Paul LePage, blame the Read More
Toxin Ruling Should Put Maine Kids’ Interests First
Mandating disclosure of phthalates would help consumers make safer choices for their families. Portland Press Herald editorial In about two weeks, Maine environmental regulators will have to decide whether they’ll require manufacturers to disclose which of their products contain phthalates: chemicals linked to serious health problems in kids that are in everything from lunch boxes and Read More