In November 2023, after being deluged by nearly $40 million in campaign advertising by Maine’s largest utilities, voters rejected a proposal to shift the state’s investor-owned utilities to a consumer-owned business model. Here, NRCM’s Climate & Clean Energy Senior Advocate Rebecca Schultz reflects on how we can best move forward to hold utilities accountable and Read More
solar
LD 1986, Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Rebecca Schultz. I am a Senior Advocate for Climate and Clean Energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization with more than 25,000 members and supporters, on behalf of Read More
What You Should Know about Maine’s Solar Success
Solar energy in Maine has grown seven-fold in the last few years. This tremendous growth has saved towns and school districts money on their electric bills. It has supplied Maine businesses with more affordable electricity. It is responsible for millions of dollars in benefits to ratepayers, putting downward pressure on rates across the board.¹ The Read More
Maine Coalition Releases “Solar Vision” to Create Climate Action and Benefit Those Who Need it Most
Coalition for Community Solar Access news release AUGUSTA — Today, a broad coalition of climate and clean energy groups announced a collective vision for Maine to continue to invest in solar projects while benefiting all Mainers and directing millions of dollars of energy savings towards low- to moderate-income (LMI) customers. The coalition is calling on Read More
LD 1591, Promote Economic Reuse of Contaminated Land Through Clean Energy Development
Testimony in Support of LD 1591, An Act to Promote Economic Reuse of Contaminated Land Through Clean Energy Development Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, my name is Jack Shapiro, and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has Read More
LD 1431, An Act Requiring the PUC to Adopt Rules Promoting Renewable Energy
Testimony in Support of LD 1431, An Act Requiring the Public Utilities Commission to Adopt Rules Promoting Renewable Energy Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, my name is Jack Shapiro, and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has Read More
LD 1347, An Act to Eliminate the Current Net Energy Billing Policy in Maine
Testimony in Opposition to LD 1347, An Act to Eliminate the Current Net Energy Billing Policy in Maine Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, members of Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, my name is Jack Shapiro. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM has been working for more Read More
Essential Climate Action for Maine: 100% by 2040
Earlier this week, in her State of the Budget address Governor Mills called on Maine to set a new goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040. With the impacts of climate change already threatening our communities and the high costs of oil and gas hitting Mainers’ pocketbooks, it’s clear Maine must transition quickly to Read More
LD 376, An Act to Repeal the Law Regarding the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program
Testimony in Opposition to LD 376, An Act to Repeal the Law Regarding the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, my name is Jack Shapiro. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Read More
