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 describing Maine’s current solar development �land rush� is spot on. […]
Climate Change
Climate Action Plan Released Today!
The day has finally arrived. After more than a year of hard work, Governor Mills and the Maine Climate Council are prepared to release the Climate Action Plan (read the latest plan here). You’ve undoubtedly heard from us about this plan, whether it was touting the work of Maine Audubon’s Advocacy Director Eliza Donoghue on […]
Maine Audubon and Clean Energy Companies Applaud Vote on Climate Action Plan
Landmark Document Sets Course for Carbon Reductions and Economic Revitalization November 12, 2020 (Augusta, ME) � The Maine Climate Council voted today to finalize draft recommendations for the state’s next Climate Action Plan (CAP), a document that will guide Maine’s efforts to meet ambitious climate goals set by Governor Mills. The final Climate Action Plan […]
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 enacted to spur renewable energy development […]
Maine Climate Council Webinar Recordings
Many thanks to the hundreds of you who joined last week’s webinar Maine Climate Council: Everything You Need To Know. The event was a great success, and listeners heard from members of each of the Climate Council working groups. Recordings of the main event and three of the breakout sessions are below. But first, if […]
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, resilient, and equitable communities, they […]
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 schedule during the […]
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 Maine people. The Legislature may reconvene to […]
New Report: Renewable Energy and Wildlife in Maine
Tackling climate change is one of the most difficult and pressing tasks Mainers face, both personally and collectively. Maine’s lawmakers have set some ambitious goals for reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and for procuring retail electricity sales from renewable energy sources. This recent legislation is spurring interest and investment in renewable energy projects across […]