NRCM news release Augusta, ME (October 19, 2021) – In an unprecedented development that could result in termination of the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is holding a hearing today to consider suspending the permit for the controversial transmission line. That permit was thrown into doubt after an August 10, 2021, decision (view PDF) by a State Superior Court Judge to terminate an Read More
transmission line
50 Years of Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission
Many who care about Maine’s environment may not be familiar with the relatively unknown state agency that holds the key to the future of much of Maine’s undeveloped areas, including the North Woods and Unorganized Territories (UT). That agency, which was created 50 years ago this month, was originally known as the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) but is today named the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC). For almost as long as the LUPC has existed, the Read More
News & Noteworthy — July 2021
Here are some highlights from this month’s news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife, in this month’s News & Noteworthy from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. July 29, 2021 News about Maine being the first state in the nation to pass an Extended Producer Responsibility Read More
News & Noteworthy — April 2021
Read some highlights from this month’s news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife, in this month’s News & Noteworthy from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. April 29, 2021 Maine’s electric car charging infrastructure took another step forward this week with the first phase of Efficiency Read More
Conservation Groups Move to Add U.S. Department of Energy to CMP Corridor Lawsuit
News release from Natural Resources Council of Maine, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Sierra Club Maine March 29, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Three of Maine’s largest conservation groups have moved to add the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to their lawsuit challenging the flawed federal permits that were granted to Central Maine Power (CMP) for its Read More
Support of LD 471, An Act to Require Legislative Approval for Certain Leases of Public Lands
Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 25,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of LD 471. Read More
Support of LD 194, An Act To Prohibit Contributions, Expenditures and Participation by Foreign Government-owned Entities To Influence Referenda
Senator Luchini, Representative Caiazzo, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. My name is Pete Didisheim. I am the Advocacy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I appreciate this opportunity to testify on behalf of our more than 25,000 members and supporters in support of LD 194, Read More
Hydro-Quebec Exploiting Legal Loophole to Influence Maine Voters
Legislators Consider Bills to Stop Campaigns by Foreign Government-owned Companies NRCM news release March 15, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Over the past 15 months, Hydro-Quebec has exploited a loophole in state ethics law by spending a record-breaking $10 million on a statewide political campaign aimed at persuading Maine voters to support the controversial Central Maine Read More
Support of LD 170, An Act Pertaining to Transmission Lines Not Needed for Reliability or Local Generation
Senator Lawrence, Representative Berry, and distinguished members of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee. My name is Sue Ely and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Policy Advocate and Staff Attorney for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I am pleased to testify today in support of LD 170, An Act Pertaining to Read More
