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, …
Policy & Advocacy
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 …
Maine Climate Council Vows to Stay on Track
In this time of uncertainty and anxiety over a global health emergency, it may be hard to think about other pressing matters like climate change. However, Maine is not letting one crisis prevent us from preparing for another, and so the work of the Maine Climate Council is proceeding with a modified …
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 …
Maine Audubon and Patagonia Freeport Join Forces for the Endangered Species Act
Shop and save has new meaning this month as Maine Audubon and Patagonia team up to protect the Endangered Species Act. Shoppers at the Patagonia Freeport store (100 Main Street, Freeport) are now greeted near the doors by an Endangered Species Act (ESA) display, featuring free "trading cards" …
Destructive Changes Proposed to Important Bird Law
The changes to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) most recently proposed by the Trump Administration are almost impossible to comprehend. Proposed rules state that migratory bird death will only be prosecuted if the express purpose of the action was to intentionally kill birds. This means that the …
Public hearing on NECEC provides opportunity to share concerns
This week, the public will have another opportunity to learn about and comment on Central Maine Power's New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project, a proposed 145-mile transmission line that would carry hydropower from Quebec to Massachusetts. On December 5, the U.S. Army Corps of …
National Audubon Reports on Climate Risks to Maine Birds
Today the National Audubon Society released a new report, Survival By Degrees: 389 Species on the Brink, which gives detailed projections for how climate change will impact the ranges of hundreds of bird species. The report contains state-by-state breakdowns of these projections, and the Maine …