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 support of LD 659 and LD 712. As many of you know, Read More
Sarah Lakeman
Lawmakers Seeking to Reduce Waste with Composting Bill
By Jennifer Mitchell MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine—There’s a better place for all those eggshells, coffee grounds, and muffin stumps. That’s the gist of a bill before the legislature that seeks to encourage the composting or transformation of organic waste, instead of having those items chucked into the bin. “Organic waste when it’s put in Read More
Testimony in Opposition to LD 105, An Act To Enhance the Competitiveness of Maine’s Biomass Facilities by Exempting from Waste Handling Fees Certain Construction and Demolition Debris
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 Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 105. NRCM urges the committee to defend Maine’s Solid Read More
Portland Council Approves New Fees on Stormwater Runoff
Property owners will start paying in 2016 to help fund $170 million in upgrades to the city’s system for keeping pollution out of waterways. By Randy Billings, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Portland City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to charge property owners for the size of their rooftops and driveways. The new Read More
Comments on DEP Application for a Determination of Public Benefit For a Landfill to be Located in Argyle Township or Greenbush
I am submitting these comments on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, which has a strong interest in Maine’s Solid Waste Management Policy. In that context, we believe that this proposal comes at a time when DEP’s decision will determine the direction and tone of our State’s Materials Management efforts moving forward. We Read More
Portland City Council Bans Foam Packaging, Endorses Bag Fee
Tonight, the Portland City Council voted 6-3 to ban foam packaging in city stores and restaurants, and voted 6-3 to enact a 5-cent fee on disposable shopping bags. News Release “We congratulate Portland for approving these ordinances, which will clean up Portland’s neighborhoods, streets, and Casco Bay by encouraging the use of reusable bags and Read More
Waterville’s Pay-as-you-throw Trash Plan Evokes Criticism, Praise
Detractors cite increased costs for individual residents, while proponents note then environmental benefits and municipal savings. By Rachel Ohm, Staff Writer Morning Sentinel news story WATERVILLE — With city officials looking to convert solid waste disposal to a pay-as-you-throw system, residents are divided over the pros and cons of such a scheme. Some say it Read More
Foam Ban, Bag Fees Going Back to Portland City Council
by David Harry The Forecaster news story PORTLAND — Proposals to ban polystyrene foam containers and cups, and to place a fee on paper and plastic shopping bags, will return to the full City Council for first readings on Monday, June 2. The amendments to Chapter 12 of the city code were last considered in September Read More
Monday-Tuesday, April 28-29: Maine Recycling & Solid Waste Conference – Expanding the World of Recycling
Join NRCM Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Lakeman for the 21st Annual Maine Recycling & Solid Waste Conference & Trade Show. Sarah will be speaking at the conference about product stewardship (on Monday) and pay-as-you-throw programs (on Tuesday). You can learn more about NRCM’s product stewardship work, including many first-in-the-nation laws that Read More
