by Chris Fachinni WCSH-6 news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Are proposed updates to Maine’s mining laws a pathway to economic prosperity in parts of the state that need it badly, like Aroostook County or are they too weak to protect our prized natural resources from harm? That’s is what state lawmakers on the Read More
Metal Mining Pollution
Proposed Maine Mining Rules Stir Debate
by Susan Sharon MPBN news story Maine lawmakers are considering controversial new mining regulations that have been approved by the Board of Environmental Protection but face stiff opposition from the public and from a coalition of more than two dozen environmental groups. The rules were drafted by the LePage administration, which maintians that they are based Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1772: Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 200: Metallic Mineral Exploration, Advanced Exploration and Mining, a Late-filed Major Substantive Rule of the DEP
Good morning Senator Boyle, Representative Welsh, and members of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. I am testifying on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in opposition to LD 1772. NRCM believes these draft rules will not protect Maine’s environment or Maine taxpayers from the risks of metal mining in sulfide Read More
Metallic Mining Rules Endanger What’s Best about Maine — The Legislature Should Reject Them
By Susan Davies Bangor Daily News op-ed The new metallic mineral mining rule that Maine Board of Environmental Protection has just sent to the Legislature for approval makes me think of that line in the Joni Mitchell song: “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone?” I’m Read More
Maine Mining Rules Get Initial Approval from Board
The new regulations are aimed at boosting the industry, but critics are fearful of creating pollution. by Michael Shepherd Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — In a preliminary vote Friday, a state board adopted a set of rules for metal mines aimed at spurring the industry in Maine, a move criticized by environmentalists who Read More
Board of Environmental Protection Unanimously Approves New Maine Mining Rules
by Whit Richardson, staff writer Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Board of Environmental Protection on Friday afternoon voted 5-0 to approve new mining rules that govern metallic mining operations in the state. At issue are detailed rules developed by the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with LD 1853, new mining Read More
Board of Environmental Protection Eyes Friday Afternoon Vote on Proposed Maine Mining Rules
by Whit Richardson, staff writer Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Board of Environmental Protection is expected to vote Friday afternoon on new mining rules that would have implications for Aroostook County. The citizen board is considering rules developed by the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with LD 1853, new Read More
State Regulators Dig Into Maine Mining Rules
An overhaul aimed at updating standards alarms environmentalists. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — State regulations that would make it easier for mining companies to operate in Maine moved one step closer to completion Tuesday as the Board of Environmental Protection voted to post for public comment new changes Read More
Eye on Augusta: Controversial New Rules Proposed for Metallic Mineral Mining in Maine
by Andy O’Brien Freepressonline.com news story One of the most contentious environmental battles that will be fought when the Legislature reconvenes in January will likely be over metallic mineral mining in Maine. In 2012, lobbyists representing the Canadian corporation J.D. Irving, Limited brought forward a bill to rewrite Maine’s mining standards to aid in the Read More