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
Safer Products
Lead Alternatives: Given Toxicity, Should the Metal Be in Ammunition?
Bangor Daily News editorial In mid-November, a bald eagle found in Howland died of lead poisoning, according to the rehabilitation center that was caring for the sick bird. X-rays showed several pieces of birdshot were in the eagle’s stomach. Lead has long been known to be toxic, so lawmakers and sportsmen should consider a plan Read More
Democrats Criticize Proposed Maine Chemicals Rules
MPBN news story The proposed rules would mandate that companies report whether products intended for children under age 12 contain mercury, arsenic, cadmium or formaldehyde. AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Democrats and environmental groups say a Maine Department of Environmental Protection proposal to require companies to report whether children’s products contain certain chemicals doesn’t do enough Read More
States Should Follow Maine on GMO Labels
Consumers have a right to know what is in their food. Kennebec Journal editorial People want to know what is in their food. It doesn’t necessarily change eating habits, but it provides consumers with the confidence that they know, good or bad, what is going into their bodies. That’s why the Maine Legislature did the right Read More
Maine Board to Review Comments on Mining Rule Changes
As the BEP gets ready for its meeting, public response is running strongly against the proposed changes. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state Board of Environmental Protection will meet Thursday to continue reviewing more than 1,000 pages of public comment against changes proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection Read More
Maine Moms, Activists Rally for Changes in Chemical Safety Bill
Critics say a bill in the Senate would undermine states’ efforts to protect consumers. by Kevin Miller, Washington Bureau Chief Portland Press Herald news story WASHINGTON — A group of Maine mothers and activists joined others from around the country Tuesday to lobby Congress to change a chemical safety bill that they say would undermine Read More
LePage on Plastic Foam Ban: Don’t Be ‘Nanny’
He co-signs a letter to Portland councilors as a task force urges them to prohibit polystyrene use. by Randy Billings, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story PORTLAND â Gov. Paul LePage and a national conservative group have come out against a proposed ban on plastic-foam products in Maine’s largest city. The proposal would prohibit Read More
Maine Lawmakers Overwhelmingly Endorse No Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Toys
by Steve Mistler, State House Bureau Kennebec Journal news story AUGUSTA â Lawmakers overwhelmingly advanced a bill aimed at beefing up the state program designed to phase out toxic chemicals in children’s products, but final passage is still in question. The proposal, L.D. 1181, sponsored by Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, would require manufacturers of 49 Read More
Maine Leaders Try and Fail to Dilute Recycling’s Success
‘Product stewardship’s regulations â even those with industry and bipartisan support â meet staunch resistance from, among others, a commissioner with former ties to corporate interests. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Third of three parts HERE’S WHAT WE FOUND A Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram investigation has found Patricia Aho, Read More
