Letter: Gov. Mills shows leadership in clean energy

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 1, 2023

Now more than ever before, clean energy is powering homes and businesses across Maine. Recognizing this, Gov. Janet Mills recently issued a proclamation celebrating Sept. 25-29, 2023, as Clean Energy Week in the state of Maine. Maine leads New England in the wind-powered generation and has a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires 80 percent renewable energy by 2030. The governor recognizes the economic opportunity, job creation, and healthier environment that comes from embracing clean energy. In just Maine, the clean energy sector provides over 14,500 jobs. Thanks to Gov. Mills, Maine is an active participant in this national celebration and continues to invest in critical clean energy initiatives. ~ Heather Reams, chair, National Clean Energy Week

Letter: Renewable energy is relatively cheap and life-saving

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

The true cost of continued fossil fuel dependence is both the direct cost of bringing it online and the indirect loss-of-life costs that global warming imposes. Recent headlines make the point: 474 U.S. hurricane deaths in 2022; 97 forest fire deaths in Maui; 180 flooding deaths in Nepal and India; 11,000-plus deaths in Libya as torrential rains burst two drought-dried dams. Renewable-energy costs pale compared to the true costs of continued fossil fuel use. ~ Orlando Delogu, Portland

Know these poisonous mushrooms before you go foraging

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 1, 2023

Mushroom foraging might seem like a sweet activity, but it can also be quite dangerous. While some mushrooms are delicious, others contain chemicals that can make you seriously sick — and these poisonous varieties aren’t uncommon. People frequently get sick from mushrooms because they mistake them for edible look-alikes or simply don’t have the knowledge to determine it’s poisonous. Here are just a few of Maine’s most common toxic mushrooms: Destroying angel, Pigskin poison puffball, Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms, Boletus huronensis, Lilac brown bolete, False morels.

A difficult climb makes conquering Katahdin a gratifying accomplishment

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 1, 2023

Cursory research for our first trip to Baxter State Park had led us to believe Cathedral, while considered perhaps the toughest trail on the mountain, would be doable. It was a rude awakening for a 61-year-old who, while in decent shape, is not a hiker or rock climber. Taking on Maine’s storied mountain is not for the faint of heart. The absolute best part of the climb up Cathedral was the incredible views of Chimney Pond, the steep adjacent cliffs, and the mountains, valleys and waters visible in the distance. It gave me even more excuses to stop and take photos. Finally, exhausted, dirty and wet, we made it back to Roaring Brook. A celebratory drink and a hug made the day complete. ~ Pete Warner

Letter: Don’t stereotype homeowners wanting to protect their land

SUN JOURNAL • October 1, 2023

I am tired of developers and others who love to make millions off exploiting Maine homeowners by making discriminatory statements such as “older folks don’t like change” and “NIMBY.” Just because homeowners want to protect their land, environment and investment, we cannot be stereotyped into “NIMBY” as if we are selfish idiots. We are not. This is a bullying tactic. People should follow the money. I am a proud supporter of not in my backyard because I care deeply about the animals, trees, plants and open spaces. I have a right to protect my backyard and my environment and my investment. ~ Kelley Hashey, Bangor

Central Maine nonprofits teach children about the outdoors at annual MaineFest in Augusta

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • September 30, 2023

The Maine State Museum hosted the event in the park across from the Maine State House. The museum itself is closed until 2025 for a $45.5 million renovation. In addition to a scavenger hunt from the Friends of Cobbossee Watershed, all of the educational groups that attended MaineFest set up tables and had activities for children. Among the activities, the museum offered rubber fish-stamping, which is similar to the Japanese print-making style call gyotaku, and Viles Arboretum sponsored a create-your-own flower headbands activity.

Editorial: You can get there from here with the Maine Gazetteer

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 30, 2023

With its 70 grids across the entire state, the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is an invaluable tool for planning and accomplishing adventures across Maine, or simply getting around unfamiliar areas. That remains especially true in the many parts of the state without great (or any) cell or internet service. With all the technological capabilities and apps that come with both new cars and new phones these days, you might be lulled into thinking a collection of hard copy maps could be a bit obsolete. But in this, you’d be wrong. Some of Maine’s most rural areas are simultaneously home to some of the best adventures and some of the worst connectivity. Happy adventures, and don’t forget to bring that torn, coffee-stained guide along for the ride.

Maine will revise Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions, increase resilience

MAINE MORNING STAR • September 30, 2023

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, the Maine Climate Councilgathered Friday to kick off revisions to the state’s climate action plan. For the next nine months, members of the council’s subcommittees will update the plans and strategies to reduce Maine’s carbon emissions and increase resilience to climate change. That will culminate in an updated climate action plan delivered to the legislature in December 2024.

Opinion: We can’t be hypocritical about the full cost of ditching fossil fuels

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 30, 2023

Maine should move away from fossil fuels. But we cannot be hypocrites and demand the true cost of our new electrified world be borne by others – a form of externality colonialism. As we electrify, we should also demand that we produce as much energy as we consume within our borders. Maine rivers cannot be too precious to place hydro dams on. Are Canadian ecosystems not valued? We will have to see offshore wind towers as we enjoy our sunrises. We will also need to give up lots of forest and farmland to place solar farms. We may need to give up the illogical aversion to nuclear power. If climate change is a crisis, it is time to put all of our options and resources to bear and understand we must accept the full cost of the power we use. ~ Zak Harding, Wells

Letter: Stay focused on public say over Pine Tree Power

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 30, 2023

The citizen group pushing for Pine Tree Power is called Our Power. That “our” refers to the public, not the government. Shame on CMP for claiming otherwise. ~ Don Wessels, Kennebunk

Column: Climate crisis needs all solutions, including nuclear

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 30, 2023

Most countries have set the net emissions goal for greenhouse gasses at zero by the middle of the century — just 27 years from now. Can anyone seriously believe the net zero goal — mainly resulting from carbon-producing fossil fuels — will be achieved by then? Energy to fuel cars, heat homes and run offices and factories will come largely from electricity. Electric power will have to come from wind, solar and even hydro to make a serious dent in the use of fossil fuels. Sustained efforts at efficiency, which means using less, are essential but unlikely to cover the gap left by renewables. Renewables won’t be enough. Focusing heavily on them avoids talking about the elephant in the room. It does not produce carbon. Its technology is available now. It reduces dependence on questionable energy suppliers like Russia and Saudi Arabia. It is nuclear power. Human civilization is now being transformed by climate change. All available solutions must be used. ~ Gordon L. Weil

Delaware company plans to buy Jay mill for industrial use

SUN JOURNAL • September 29, 2023

A Delaware company wants to buy the Androscoggin paper mill and adjacent cogeneration facility from Pixelle Specialty Solutions and redevelop it for other industrial uses, according to an application filed to transfer state permits. The former pulp and paper mill stopped making paper in March after decades of production. JGT2 Redevelopment has applied with the state to have state permits/licenses for stormwater, wastewater discharge, air emissions, and solid waste transferred to JGT2. JGT2 proposes redeveloping the site for other industrial uses, according to the application. It wasn’t clear Friday what those other uses might be. The old pulp and paper mill equipment will be sold and repurposed where possible, according to the application. Unnecessary infrastructure will be demolished to prepare for new construction. The property will be divided and redeveloped into several new industrial uses. It wasn’t clear Friday what those other uses might be.

Maine awards $2.4 million in climate grants to 53 communities

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 29, 2023

The state announced $2.4 million in grants to 53 communities across Maine on Friday to help them plan for climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and increase municipal resiliency through projects ranging from local forest protection to weatherization to rooftop solar arrays. The grants to Maine cities, towns and tribes are being distributed through the state’s Community Resilience Partnership program. Created in 2021, the program has awarded $6.1 million to 103 communities. Gov. Janet Mills said, “We all know that climate change is real and that we can’t wait to address it.”

Conserving a Coastline, The Work of Maine Coast Heritage Trust

OFF CENTER HARBOR • September 29, 2023

There’s nothing more compelling than a clutch of wild islands calling from across the water. Thanks to good people like these, the wild island experience will be calling for generations to come. As we all know, the Coast of Maine is vulnerable to rampant development from any number of directions. We are fortunate that the Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s program of easements helps keep the islands the way they always were.

This midcoast preserve is a fantastic fall foliage hike

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 28, 2023

For the best fall foliage hikes, I look for woods that are filled with a variety of deciduous trees: oaks, birches, ashes, aspens and maples. It’s a magical experience to follow a trail under a colorful canopy, with freshly fallen leaves carpeting the forest floor. Recently, I visited the Richard S. Hodson Preserve and Rheault Trail in Camden. The forest there is filled with red oaks, bigtooth aspens and sugar maples. But what makes it a truly great foliage spot is the trail that travels through blueberry barrens to the top of Howe Hill. Blueberry plants turn bright red in the fall. And the hilltop offers open views of nearby Bald and Hatchet mountains, as well as Camden Hills State Park. ~ Aislinn Sarnacki

Opinion: What the Farm Bill means for Maine

SUN JOURNAL • September 29, 2023

Maine has about 7,600 farms spanning 1.3 million acres and employing around 13,000 workers, which includes about 100 dairy farms and 80,000 head of cattle. We are the top producer in the world for wild blueberries, third highest in the nation for maple syrup, and ranked ninth for potato production. Maine’s farming industry on average contributes $1.38 billion to the state’s overall economy. Yet the rainy weather this summer has some farmers worried, including myself, which is why access to crop insurance and other federally backed programs through the USDA is important. The current Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30 and, unfortunately, the new bill is in jeopardy amid the potential disruptions of a federal government shutdown. There could be immediate effects on the price and supply of milk. I implore Congress to get the Farm Bill passed. ~ Sen. Russell Black (R), Franklin, Kennebec and Somerset counties

Opinion: Nobody would benefit from the building of the Gorham Connector

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 29, 2023

If the Gorham Connector is constructed and put to use, everyone in the state will lose out in more ways than one. The cost is up to $237 million. Building rail along the proposed Gorham Connector route would save millions of dollars. There will be no long-term benefit from the Gorham Connector, only sprawl. ~ Jasper Curtis, Portland

One investor’s uphill battle to turn rewilding into a multibillion-dollar industry

BLOOMBERG • September 28, 2023

Everyone involved is betting Scotland will soon pass a law that forces companies to make up for their environmental impact by funding protection elsewhere. A similar regulation is due to take effect in England early next year. They’re also eyeing a global, unregulated market for the credits that’s gotten a boost from a commitment by almost 200 countries to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and new guidelines for businesses to address nature-related risks. CreditNature forecasts it could be worth up to $35 billion by 2050. Others are skeptical that the biodiversity credits market can gain traction and that it won’t face the same problems as carbon offsets. It’s also uncertain whether and for how long such projects can retain the support of nearby communities. But Highlands Rewilding is hoping to sell any intellectual property and technology the team develops in the process, contributing to its projected $120 million in total revenue over the next decade.

Scarborough Land Trust acquires 10 acres adding to Warren Woods Preserve

SCARBOROUGH LEADER • September 28, 2023

Warren Woods Preserve just increased by over 10 acres. On Sept. 26, the Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) closed on a property off Finch Way on the east side of one of SLT’s most popular preserves. This brings the total size of Warren Woods Preserve to over 313 acres.

Conservation groups call for new ship speed rules aimed at protecting right whales

MAINE PUBLIC • September 28, 2023

A coalition of conservation groups is again calling on federal regulators to approve new rules aimed at protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes. NOAA has proposed a rule that would reduce ship speeds and expand the areas where those speed limits apply. But the rule hasn't been finalized and implemented. Regina Asmutis-Silvia of Whale and Dolphin Conservation says the federal government should set new speed limits by Nov. 15, when right whales migrate to the Southeastern coast to give birth. Environmental groups sent a similar emergency petition to NOAA last year to finalize vessel strike rules, but it was denied.