Letter: Rep. Golden’s vote shows contempt for biodiversity

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 19, 2023

In the midst of an extinction crisis, it is completely irresponsible that Rep. Jared Golden would support overturning Endangered Species Act protections for the northern long-eared bat, dooming this species to extinction. President Ronald Reagan signed into law the ESA Amendments of 1982, which made clear that all decisions regarding the listing of species were to be made “solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.” Whether or not a species is facing extinction is a scientific question only. Northern long-eared bats have declined by up to 99% in the Northeast in less than two decades. The Fish and Wildlife Service listed the bat as endangered last November after finding that its previous “threatened” status was not sufficiently protective. Rep. Golden’s vote was contrary to the best available science and not in line with protecting Maine’s biodiversity. ~ Tara Thornton, Litchfield

Letter: Concerned about mining proposal

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 19, 2023

I write to express my concern that the water quality, fisheries and outdoor economy of the Katahdin Region are once again at risk of permanent degradation. Canada-based Wolfden Resources Corporation has submitted a second application to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to allow a metallic mineral mine at Pickett Mountain near Patten, Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Key entities stating opposition to the project include the Penobscot County commissioners, Mount Chase Lodge, the Houlton Band of Maliseets, the Penobscot Nation, the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, Chandler Lake Camps and Lodge, Bradford Camps, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The LUPC will hold a public hearing on the proposal and is accepting public comment on the project at WolfdenRezoning.LUPC@maine.gov. ~ Kathryn Olmstead, Caribou

White House is torn over Manchin’s fury at climate law he crafted

WASHINGTON POST • August 19, 2023

By the end of last year, the West Virginia Democrat had become deeply displeased with how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was helping the Biden administration advance its aggressive climate goals. Manchin, a staunch ally of fossil fuel interests, was particularly critical of the agency’s efforts to write regulations that more fully consider climate impact when it reviews new natural gas infrastructure. So he blocked the reappointment of the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has vowed to oppose appointments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department. Biden and his aides are trying to agree to Manchin’s demands where they can, while still advancing a climate agenda that the senator strongly opposes – even though his vote last year made it possible in the first place.

‘A lot of good things happening’: Balloon festival gets soggy start

SUN JOURNAL • August 18, 2023

In spite of steady rain and swampy conditions under foot, well over a hundred people had gathered at Great Falls Balloon Festival Friday evening in Lewiston, taking in the entertainment and waiting for the arrival of the balloons. The news that the balloons had been grounded was disappointing, but the crowds didn’t disperse. There was still plenty of entertainment to be had. Festival goers eagerly checked their weather forecasts and surmised that Saturday and Sunday had better chances of decent weather. 

MCCF celebrates 20 years of amplifying the voice of fishing

ISLAND AD-VANTAGES • August 18, 2023

The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its founding with an “epic night of fun” on Tuesday, August 22, at the REACH Performing Arts Center. The “Coastal Fisheries Fanfare,” as the party is being called, will feature a raffle, door prizes, storytelling and songs by local fishermen, including performances by Waterbound, Tidewalker and a number of special guests. At a recent show, performer Frank Gotwals joked that Stonington is “a music town with a fishing problem,” and the event’s lineup reflects that tradition. But according to Bobbi Billings, the MCCF’s longtime administrative director, it also reflects the center’s commitment to making sure the fishing community is front and center.

Electric bus company that supplied Maine transit systems files for bankruptcy

MAINE PUBLIC • August 18, 2023

Just as electric buses become more popular, a major manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy. The California company Proterra manufactured four electric buses used by Greater Portland Metro and Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit. But Greg Jordan, executive director of Greater Portland Metro, doesn't foresee any major hiccups. Jordan said the buses are performing well, and Proterra has assured him that the bankruptcy filing won't affect the warranties or parts and service needs. Jordan said GP Metro aspires to operate a zero-emissions fleet by 2040, and is evaluating which companies might be able to provide appropriate vehicles for the transition. Many of the electric school buses in Maine are manufactured by another company, Lion Electric, and are unaffected by the bankruptcy.

Rumford residents offer suggestions for proposed community forest

RUMFORD FALLS TIMES • August 18, 2023

Julie Renaud Evans, program director of the Northern Forest Center, asked more than 20 community participants, including some Planning Board members, Wednesday for wording for a vision and mission statement on a proposed 446-acre community forest in Rumford. In May, Inland Woods + Trails, a nonprofit organization based in Bethel, announced plans to establish a community forest in partnership with the The Trust for Public Land and the Northern Forest Center. The organization maintains 85 miles of trails in five towns throughout Oxford County, including for hiking, mountain biking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Maine is receiving nearly $6 million to address lead paint hazards in homes

MAINE PUBLIC • August 18, 2023

Maine is receiving nearly $6 million to address lead-based paint hazards in the homes of low-income families. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the grant this week. The agency said the work will address lead and health hazards in 241 housing units, and will also perform assessments in another 200 homes.

Maine is receiving nearly $6 million to address lead paint hazards in homes

MAINE PUBLIC • August 18, 2023

Maine is receiving nearly $6 million to address lead-based paint hazards in the homes of low-income families. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said the work will address lead and health hazards in 241 housing units, and will also perform assessments in another 200 homes. Local and state agencies in Maine have received nearly $40 million in federal housing funds over the last decade to address lead hazards.

Coastal Currents on LCTV, August 20

BOOTHBAY REGISTER • August 18, 2023

The second episode of “Coastal Currents” co-produced with Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust premieres on Lincoln County Television on Sunday at 7:00 pm. Just in time for Water Quality month, the episode centers on CRCT’s efforts to improve and maintain water quality.

Portland golf course again recognized for environmental excellence

WCSH-TV6 • August 18, 2023

Golf is a unique sport, where players can get out in nature. But golf courses can get a reputation for caring more about having green fairways than supporting the wilderness 20 feet away. Matt Teneyck said as much, days after Riverside Golf Course earned recertification as a "cooperative sanctuary" from Audubon International. Teneyck is the course superintendent.

Opinion: Let’s move ahead with Belfast fish farm proposal

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2023

It is long past time that Nordic Aquafarms be granted the power of eminent domain to construct the Belfast project. I live on the farm where I was born 61 years ago in New Gloucester. In the 1840s, the Maine Legislature granted the power of eminent domain to construct a railroad through the farm. It has been a pain ever since. But it was an economic boon for all the communities along its route. In the 1960s. Central Maine Power, through the power of eminent domain, constructed a high-voltage power line through the farm to energize western Maine. A natural gas line to supply Lewiston-Auburn was granted the power of eminent domain. It just missed our farm and went through our neighbors’. Move Maine forward – grant Nordic Aquafarms the power of eminent domain to raise sustainable and economical farm-raised salmon. ~ Carl Wilcox, licensed professional environmental engineer, New Gloucester

Letter: Stop U.S. banks from bankrolling fossil fuels

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2023

To protect our civilization from the loss of a stable climate, we have to quickly slow the melting of the glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic. Until the 1970s, the ice of the Earth’s poles provided enough of the planet’s natural reflection of the sun’s rays to keep our climate steady. We cannot maintain a stable environment without that reflective capability. It is being challenged by the warming waters. The most impactful way to keep the glaciers from melting is to keep fossil fuels in the ground. To do that, we have to stop financing fossil fuels. The proposed Fossil Free Finance Act would require major banks to end their fossil fuel investments in time to slow climate change. It is a painful solution but the alternative is deadly – both for Maine and for the planet. ~ Renee Givner, Portland

Down East meteorite inspires a supernatural horror tale

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 18, 2023

When word got out that on April 8 a large meteorite fell from the sky and landed somewhere in far eastern Maine, Fred Greenhalgh and his collaborators on Maine horror podcast “Undertow” immediately started imagining fantastic scenarios for it. For the past 17 years Greenhalgh has created audio dramas and podcasts. Each season of “Undertow” has told a different Maine horror story, including “Blood Forest,” about a stretch of Maine woods full of monsters. In “The Pulse,” Greenhalgh and company tell a story about people descending on a tiny Maine town, in search of a fallen meteorite, in order to claim a cash prize offered for it. It’s the fifth season of “Undertow” and premieres Aug. 25 on Realm.fm, the largest scripted podcast network in the country.

4 end-of-summer adventures in Maine perfect for kids

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 18, 2023

As the school year quickly approaches, it’s important to grab ahold of these last days of summer and create sun-filled memories that will last through the cold months ahead. Here are a few end-of-summer adventures that I suggest:
• Tidepooling in Searsport
• Letterboxing on the Blue Hill Peninsula
• Waterfall walks throughout the state
• Bike through the wilderness

Letter: Harmon supports curbside recycling, food waste composting

SUN JOURNAL • August 18, 2023

The Auburn City Council eliminated curbside recycling. The current mayor and council have ignored the recommendations of their own Sustainability Work Group. We need a larger composting program to divert wet food waste. Better curbside recycling would focus on what’s most recyclable. Let’s vote for Jeff Harmon for mayor and council candidates like Ryan Smith, so sustainable waste solutions become our future. ~ Sasha Goodwin, Auburn

Letter: I feel like Maine got played with clean corridor process

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 18, 2023

Maine citizens were able to vote on whether we wanted the clean energy corridor to be constructed. Before we even had a chance to vote, they started building the corridor. Few people seemed to understand how this was legal. But they continued to construct the corridor. The citizens of the state of Maine then voted against the corridor. The people who were then constructing the corridor basically said, “It’s too late, we already started building it.” And court officials basically said, “That’s right, you already started building it so we should give you a chance to finish it.” Do I have this right? It feels like the citizens of Maine got played. ~ Nathaniel Russ, Bangor

Maker of Maine’s EV buses files for bankruptcy

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 17, 2023

The maker of the battery-powered buses used by two southern Maine transportation agencies filed for bankruptcy last week, paving an uncertain path for the continued electrification of the state’s bus fleet. In 2018, Greater Portland Metro and Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit teamed up to secure nearly $6 million in federal aid and state funding to purchase four electric-powered buses from Proterra, the country’s largest manufacturer of electric buses. The buses are supposed to be delivered next spring and Chad Heid, Biddeford transit’s executive director, said Thursday that despite the bankruptcy filing, he’s hopeful the buses will arrive on schedule.

Electrical problem blamed for fire at Backyard Farms in Madison

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 17, 2023

An electrical problem at hydroponic tomato grower Backyard Farms is being blamed for a fire at the company’s Madison facility Thursday morning that forced workers to evacuate two large greenhouses, the Morning Sentinel reported. No injuries were reported, but the building where the fire started was heavily damaged and smoke spread into a packing area and an adjacent greenhouse. Backyard Farms grows tomatoes in greenhouses on a 42-acre facility outside of downtown Madison. The company opened the facility in 2007.

How a Maine board will decide on controversial electric vehicle rules

MAINE PUBLIC • August 17, 2023

Proposals for Maine to phase out sales of gas-powered cars and trucks in favor of electric vehicles received hours of public comment Thursday. The Maine Board of Environmental Protection will consider the feedback that dozens of residents and officials provided during Thursday’s hearing and also accept emailed or written comments until Aug. 28.