Augusta – In response to a vote in the U.S. Senate to confirm former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as the next Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Natural Resources Council of Maine issued the following statement from Federal Project Director Emmie Theberge: “We are extremely disappointed with this decision by the U.S. Read More
Senator Susan Collins
Public Lands Bill an Encouraging Sign from Congress
Bangor Daily News editorial Less than a month after America’s longest government shutdown, the US Senate offered a glimmer of bipartisan hope in the form of a significant public lands package that passed with overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle. The broad legislation — which would protect millions of acres around the country Read More
Following Advocacy from Senators Collins and King, Senate Votes to Permanently Reauthorize LWCF
LWCF has conserved land and created outdoor recreation opportunities across the country. News release from Senators Collins and King Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate approved a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as part of a public lands legislative package. The legislation passed by a vote of 92-8 will Read More
Former Coal Lobbyist Andrew Wheeler Poised to Take Over EPA
Nomination “a grave threat to the health of Maine’s people and environment” NRCM Statement Augusta – In response to an expected vote on Tuesday at the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to advance the nomination of former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as the next administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Read More
Acting EPA Administrator Puts Mainers’ Health at Risk
Sen. Collins should protect her constituents and vote against Andrew Wheeler’s confirmation as permanent agency chief. by Tony Owens of Cape Elizabeth, an emergency room doctor at Maine Medical Center Portland Press Herald op-ed CAPE ELIZABETH — Throughout my career, I have focused on ensuring that families and children, both here in Maine and across Read More
Collins Reintroduces Bill that Would Track Mercury Pollution
By Patty Wight Maine Public news story Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is reintroducing a bill that would track mercury pollution to better protect human health and fisheries. The American Lung Association supports the bill. The vice-chair of the Maine chapter, Dr. Marguerite Pennoyer, says better monitoring is important, paired with federal efforts Read More
Trump Administration’s Proposal to Dramatically Weaken Limits on Toxic Mercury Pollution from Coal Plants Threatens Mainers’ Health
Statement of Emmie Theberge, Federal Project Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “The Trump Administration has taken the first step to dramatically roll back the 2011 Mercury and Air Toxic Standards, federal protections that limit toxic mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants nationwide. In its announcement he EPA says ‘that it is not appropriate and Read More
Hearing Held in Bangor on Trump Administration’s Plan to Ease Fuel Efficiency Standards
By A.J. Higgins Maine Public news story BANGOR, Maine – About 50 people turned out Tuesday night in Bangor for a discussion on the Trump administration’s proposed rollback of car fuel efficiency standards. Co-sponsored by the Natural Resources Council of Maine at the Bangor Public Library, the citizen’s hearing gave residents a chance to offer Read More
Scott Pruitt Resigns as EPA Administrator; NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King to Support a Clean Start for EPA
Statement of the Natural Resources Council of Maine “It is good that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned today. From day one, Pruitt was unfit to serve as EPA administrator, and has worked to harm to Maine’s environment by rolling back life-saving protections for our air and water and cozying up to industry lobbyists Read More
