by Patty B. Wight MPBN radio news story The heat of the sun may seem far away on this bitterly cold day. But it was the focus of debate in the Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee. A new bill aims to make solar power more affordable and accessible for Mainers. But opponents question the push Read More
renewable energy
Support of LD 1652, An Act to Support Solar Energy Development in Maine
My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. I will begin by stating that, for NRCM, passage of a solid solar power bill is a top priority for the energy committee this session. We believe Read More
Maine Should Lead Washington on Climate Policy
by Peter Mills and Sharon S. Tisher Bangor Daily News op-ed It is fortunate for all 7 billion people on Earth that humans are finally learning new ways to produce and use energy. Examples are legion: hybrid cars, LED light bulbs, more economical wind, solar and hydropower, super-insulated buildings and fiber-optic communications to reduce physical Read More
Groups Join Coalition Calling for Bold Action to Advance Offshore Wind in Atlantic
NRCM press release With critical federal tax incentives set to expire on December 31, twelve Maine organizations joined more than 230 other organizations and elected officials Wednesday to urge the Obama Administration to take swift, bold action to facilitate the development of offshore wind power. Their letter to the President is available here. A 12-megawatt (MW) offshore Read More
Offshore Wind Project Will Benefit Maine’s Economy and the Environment
The state is in a strong position to compete for a pilot project grant from U.S. Department of Energy. by Sara Gideon Portland Press Herald op-ed FREEPORT — What if, right now in Maine, a project proposed making good use of two of our state’s greatest assets: Maine’s natural resources and the University of Maine’s Read More
Learning about Lobsters
I get to do some pretty cool things thanks to my job at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I met Bonnie Raitt at a concert on the eve of the removal of the Edwards Dam. NRCM was invited to work at a Phish concert (how cool is that?!) in Augusta. I met Senator George Read More
NRCM Statement on Override of Governor’s Veto of Omnibus Energy Bill
Statement by Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Project Director “This override vote is great news for Maine people and our environment. Most importantly, the bill will cut energy costs significantly for homeowners and businesses, which will be good for Maine’s economy, energy security and pocketbooks. “NRCM has worked hard to pass this bill because it Read More
A Day Closer to a Better Energy Future
President Obama’s announcement of his major climate initiative this week was a historic moment. We tuned in at the NRCM office yesterday to hear the speech and cheered for what he had to say. Finally, we are seeing real leadership that will help Maine and all Americans tackle climate change — the gravest environmental threat Read More
Senate Passes Energy Bill in 28-7 Vote After Rejecting LePage-backed Amendments
by Matthew Stone, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Senate gave overwhelming support to a comprehensive energy bill Thursday, voting 28-7 in favor of a far-reaching measure aimed at expanding New England ’s natural gas infrastructure, boosting funding for energy efficiency, directly lowering businesses’ electricity costs and making it Read More
