Question 1 is a Citizen’s Initiative that will appear in the November 2021 Maine Referendum Election. This question aims to halt the construction of the “CMP Corridor”, as well as provide additional legislative oversight for future high-impact transmission lines, including lines that cross public …
Eliza Donoghue
Announcing the Renewable Energy Siting Tool
Maine is in the midst of a new era of renewable energy development, spurred by legislation that requires 80% of Maine’s electricity come from renewable resources by 2030 and 100% by 2050. These targets are amongst the most ambitious in the country and are necessary to stave off the worst impacts …
What’s in store for this unusual legislative session
With the limited fanfare that can be generated over Zoom, the 130th Maine Legislature got off to a relatively slow and definitely unusual start in January. Though many of the session's high-profile bills have yet to have their public hearings, Maine Audubon has already engaged with legislators on …
Op-Ed: Legislature should take steps to keep solar development green
Note: This is the text of an op-ed column published in the February 4, 2021, Portland Press Herald. By Ellen Griswold, Policy and Research Director, Maine Farmland Trust, and Eliza Donoghue, Director of Advocacy & Staff Attorney, Maine Audubon Tux Turkel's January 4 article …
Large-scale solar development rush must strike delicate balance
This essay was published in the Portland Press Herald as a Maine Voices opinion piece on August 11, 2020. It's an exciting time for solar energy in Maine. Tux Turkel's August 5th article in the Portland Press Herald set the stage well: Market conditions have aligned with recent legislation …
Sign our Petition to the Maine Climate Council
The Maine Climate Council is forging ahead in its important mission to develop a plan to help the state achieve its bold climate targets. In order for the Council to adopt a strong and effective plan with concrete steps that will grow Maine's economy, reduce air pollution, and build healthy, …
Maine Audubon Comments on DEP Draft Order for NECEC project
In early March, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a draft order approving Central Maine Power's (CMP) New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project with conditions, requiring CMP to agree to significant, additional actions to minimize and compensate for the project's …
A Legislative Update in these shifting times
Due to concerns related to the coronavirus, the Maine Legislature adjourned on March 17, weeks ahead of schedule. Though we're disappointed that a lot of important environmental policy was left on the table, we fully support this difficult decision, made in the best interests of Maine lawmakers and …
Initial reaction to DEP draft approval for NECEC project
On March 13, 2020, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a draft order approving Central Maine Power's (CMP) New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project with conditions. Maine Audubon staff previously provided extensive public comment to the DEP, focusing on the proposed …