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Jym St. Pierre
Editor, Maine Environmental News

Sue Ely hired as NRCM Senior Director of Advocacy

NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE • October 3, 2026

Sue Ely will soon be joining NRCM as Senior Director of Advocacy, succeeding Pete Didisheim as he begins a well-earned retirement after three decades of leadership for Maine's environment. Ely previously served on NRCM's advocacy team as an attorney and policy expert and has spent the past several years serving as an attorney with the U.S. Department of the Interior. Throughout her career, she's earned a reputation as a thoughtful strategist, skilled lawyer, and collaborative leader who knows how to bring people together to tackle complex challenges.

Eastport files motion to intervene in underwater data center case

MAINE MONITOR • October 2, 2026

The City of Eastport registered a formal motion to intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday in an attempt to block a controversial subsea artificial intelligence data center proposal, DeepGreen Western Passage SPV. The councilors, who also sent an accompanying statement to FERC that was posted a day later, joined a growing list of residents and organizations fighting the project, including the nonprofit research group the Center for Biodiversity, by registering official concern over the DeepGreen Western Passage application for 48-month preliminary permit, which was accepted for filing by the agency in August.

Here’s why some southern Maine towns haven’t considered pausing data centers — yet

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 2, 2026

Brunswick, Bangor, Westbrook, Gorham, Gray, Sanford, Scarborough and Saco have approved temporary moratoriums on data center developments since May, intended to give them time to address concerns about the facilities and potentially adjust their zoning ordinances accordingly. Other municipalities, including North Berwick, Buxton and Wells, are set to let voters decide on either moratoriums or outright bans, with more southern Maine communities in the early phases of considering halts. On the other hand, some towns, including Yarmouth, have not taken action regarding data centers and are taking a “wait-and-see” approach.

Certain algal bloom bacteria not as toxic as previously thought

MAINE PUBLIC • October 2, 2026

A certain type of algal bloom on Maine lakes may be less harmful than previously thought according to a study from Bigelow Labs and others. Climate change and environmental degradation have led to a rise in algal blooms in Maine lakes in recent years. Toxic cyanobacteria bacterium can cloud clear water and interfere with swimming, fishing and other recreational activities. But one variety of cyanobacteria may not be toxic to humans, as originally thought. Gloeotrichia echinulata tends to bloom in clear lakes, forming thick mats of visible green or white puff balls in otherwise clean water. "There have been reports that this is producing toxin, but now through this new way of looking at it through the genetic lens, we are not seeing any way that these could be producing things like microcystin," said Bigelow Labs research scientist Robin Sleith. Microcystin is known to be harmful to the liver.

5 large whales found entangled off the Maine coast in 2025

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 2, 2026

Five large whales were found entangled in heavy ocean ropes off the coast of Maine last year, but new federal data carries a vital silver lining for the state’s multimillion-dollar lobster fleet: not a single one was a North Atlantic right whale. Rescue teams and aerial surveyors documented three humpback whales, one fin whale, and one minke whale caught in ropes off Maine’s coast in 2025. The complete absence of right whales in Maine gear last year arrives at a high-stakes moment for coastal communities. North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered. Because the dwindling species teeters near extinction, federal regulators have spent years imposing strict rules on how Maine lobstermen set their gear.

Kristi Noem posts from a Maine moose hunt

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 2, 2026

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted photos to Facebook on Thursday from a successful moose hunt in Maine. Noem was accompanying her daughter Kassidy Noem Peters, who bagged a bull and described the outing on Instagram as a “once in a lifetime moose hunt.” “After the hunt, we explored the surrounding conservation areas, habitat and Amish community,” wrote Kristi Noem, who now serves as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. A photo showed a sign marking the “Donald J. Trump Jr. Rifle Range.” The president’s son and his company bought 3,900 acres in Crystal and Island Falls in 2024. (Ed: Shield of the Americas is coordinating measures directed at 24 organizations designated by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations.]

Letter: Further research needed on offshore wind in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 2, 2026

Previous to the Trump administration holding offshore wind hostage, Maine announced plans to develop an offshore wind manufacturing, assembling and launching facility on Sears Island. Those plans failed to adequately consider a number of other, viable options and failed to generate sufficient funding. Maine needs to consider the least environmentally damaging and most economically beneficial offshore wind development strategy. Climate change poses a clear and present threat to Maine’s future. Clean, renewable energy production helps reduce climate change impacts. Prudence points to further research now into whether offshore wind can be part of Maine’s adaptation. ~ Stephen Miller, Islesboro

Learn about e-bikes at Westbrook’s BikeFest

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 2, 2026

Whether you’ve never ridden a bike or you’re an expert cyclist, prefer road or mountain bikes, bike as your mode of transportation or just do it for fun, Westbrook’s BikeFest is for everyone who wants to learn more about biking. The annual festival is returning to Rock Row from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday to increase awareness and involvement in bike culture. This year’s festival features an educational forum on e-bikes, hosted by Vision Zero Maine, a citizen-led group of Mainers committed to creating safe streets. Industry experts, law enforcement and elected officials will speak about the difference between e-bikes and e-motos and how each should be used. 

Maine’s next governor will walk a tightrope between energy affordability and climate action

MAINE MONITOR • October 2, 2026

All three candidates running for governor agree that energy affordability is a priority. And all acknowledge the reality of climate change. But they disagree on whether these problems can be tackled together. Democrat Hannah Pingree and independent Rick Bennett think energy affordability and climate action can go hand in hand. Pingree said she would continue the work of the Maine Climate Council, which created a plan to meet clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals set by the state Legislature. Bennett said he also supports transitioning the state to clean energy. Republican Bobby Charles said that the state government should focus squarely on affordability, and embrace both renewable energy and fossil fuels, including supporting new natural gas pipelines.

Maine OK’d solar panels for balconies. Safety guidelines haven’t caught up.

MAINE MORNING STAR • October 2, 2026

Over the past year and a half, a dozen states, including Maine, have embraced a new vision for solar power: small, cheap panels that can be hung from a balcony or porch, be plugged into a standard wall outlet and take a dent out of residents’ utility bills. These systems, known as balcony solar or plug-in solar, are attractive because they can be installed without permits, contractors or large investments. They can allow renters to tap into clean electricity.  Lawmakers say the systems can help at a time when residents’ power bills are skyrocketing and utilities are struggling to keep pace with demand. But for most Americans the systems still sit in a legal gray area. That’s because the “plug and play” simplicity that creates balcony solar’s appeal might not yet work safely with most household electrical systems, experts and utilities say.

Here’s how experts map Maine’s drought — and how you can help

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 2, 2026

if you want to help inform those responsible for analyzing drought conditions across Maine and the country, all you need is your own observations. It doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that your lawn is turning brown, the pond you frequent is low, or your well is drying up. In fact, that’s where you’re the expert. During a drought, one can’t help but feel a little helpless. It’s not like we can make it rain. But you can help, because the public’s input is taken into account when the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor maps are put together. The maps and data are used to analyze drought impacts, and federal agencies consider them when they weigh whether to declare drought-related disasters.

Column: Shouldn’t it be easier to get to Canada from here?

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 2, 2026

Driving three hours to Bar Harbor to get on the CAT ferry for even longer has never tempted me, but the idea of traveling 10 minutes to go spend the night in a casino and wake up in Nova Scotia? Pretty appealing. Reading more about what the Scotia Prince is considering, however, tamped my enthusiasm. The nearly $1,000 one-way price tag (for two people, a car and a cabin) feels like a lot for a trip that, at 11 hours long, is no quicker than it would be by car at a fraction of the cost, regardless of dreaded gas prices. Being able to pass the time sleeping or playing blackjack doesn’t seem like enough of a selling point. ~ Leslie Bridgers

Jonesport zoning change gives Kingfish Maine 30 months to begin work on aquaculture plant

MAINE MONITOR • October 1, 2026

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection approved changes to Jonesport’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, giving Kingfish Maine Inc. 30 months to begin construction on a proposed land-based aquaculture plant on Chandler Bay. The state’s Shoreland Zoning Act generally requires a project to reach 30 percent completion within one year. The DEP also allowed Jonesport to broaden the definition of “substantial start” for Kingfish, requiring the company to show only “tangible evidence of physical work on the site.” Kingfish Maine is the U.S. subsidiary of the Netherlands-based aquaculture firm The Kingfish Co., which uses a land-based recirculating aquaculture system to raise yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), a fish that inhabits warm waters and is native to Australia.

Low-income Mainers auto-enrolled for electric discounts

MAINE PUBLIC • October 1, 2026

Up to 67,000 low-income Maine households will get discounts on their electric bills this year after an overhaul of a state assistance program. People who already receive public health insurance, food, and heating benefits will now also be automatically enrolled in the Low Income Assistance Program, or LIAP, that provides a percentage discount for eligible customers of Central Maine Power and Versant Power.

States and cities sue over Trump’s EPA eliminating rule that limits emissions from power plants

ASSOCIATED PRESS • October 1, 2026

States and cities sued the Trump administration Thursday for repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas. Twenty-one states, including Maine, are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s power plant rule. They argue that “gutting one of the country’s most significant climate protections” will set the nation back decades and worsen the climate crisis.

Water supply for Maine’s Navy shipyard is draining months ahead of schedule

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 1, 2026

Water levels in ponds that supply Kittery remain 12 feet below normal heading into winter, and there is no end in sight to conservation measures now approaching their eighth week. The rare shortage comes just as the district heads into its hardest period. Demand from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which uses more than half of the district’s water, rises in winter, while freezing temperatures lock up rain and snow that would refill the ponds. Kittery officials are asking the state to look at the shipyard’s plans for its water system.

Penobscot dam owner replaces faulty poles on line where July failure killed fish

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 30, 2026

The owner of the Penobscot River dam that shut down in July after a transmission crossarm broke and likely killed thousands of fish said it is replacing faulty poles along the 30-mile power line. Brookfield Renewable N.A. said the new poles are part of an annual maintenance program it has run for 10 years. In that time, failures on the line have twice caused automatic shutdowns of the Ripogenus Dam that left thousands of fish dead from a lack of water, according to the Maine Council of Trout Unlimited.

Libra Foundation gives $1.3 million to expand outdoor education for Maine students

DAILY BULLDOG • September 30, 2026

The Libra Foundation will invest $1.3 million over the next two years to expand Maine Outdoor School for All, a statewide program that reached 1,675 students from 43 schools in its first year. The gift will help University of Maine Cooperative Extension, which administers the program, expand opportunities for public school students to participate in interdisciplinary, experiential learning in natural settings. Maine Outdoor School for All connects students with outdoor learning opportunities designed to develop collaboration and STEM skills, build confidence and self-awareness, and introduce academic and career pathways related to the state’s natural resources.

3 things to know about the redevelopment of the Kennebec Arsenal

CENTRAL MAINE • September 30, 2026

Almost 20 years after it was purchased for redevelopment, the Kennebec Arsenal is sitting in disrepair. Four years after Augusta city officials deemed the buildings to be dangerous, the city of Augusta and Main Street I LLC, the property’s owner, have reached a proposed settlement on future development of the historic property.