By Alanna Durkin, Associated Press Boston Globe news story AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A proposed overhaul of Maine’s mining regulations made its way to state lawmakers on Monday as supporters and critics remain deeply divided over whether expanded metallic mining is the answer to Maine’s economic problems or will result in the demise of the natural Read More
Waters
Clean, healthy waterways are vital to our day-to-day lives. They help ensure safe drinking water, suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make Maine a special place to live, work, and visit. NRCM has been working on clean water issues since we were founded in 1959 to protect the Allagash.
NRCM continues to advocate for clean and healthy waters across Maine. Read more news & blogs about our work to protect Maine's beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams.
Fiery Debate Continues Over Proposed Maine Mining Rules
Business groups and the LePage administration see economic opportunity, but others fear heavy pollution, including near J.D. Irving’s Bald Mountain. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The battle over revitalizing metal and mineral mining in Maine continued Monday at the State House, setting the stage for a vote in Read More
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
Maine Lakes at Risk: Experts Call for Action
NRCM news release Top lake protection experts today called on the Legislature to pass a bill (LD 1744) to protect the water quality in Maine’s 6,000 lakes. Representing communities and lake associations across the state, the experts expressed concerns about the slow decline in water quality they are currently seeing in Maine lakes. They warned 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
Mining Bald Mountain Poses High Risks
DEP Failed to Reveal the Risks to Lawmakers and the Public NRCM produced an investigative report showing that documents in the possession of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but not disclosed to Maine lawmakers or released to the public, reveal that an open-pit mine at Bald Mountain in Aroostook County is likely to pollute Read More
Maine Lakes at Risk
Damage caused to the State of Maine’s lake protection efforts under the Administration of Governor LePage.
