Column: Climate action – and the hope it conjures – can be found everywhere

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 1, 2023

Action is my favorite source of hope. In 2021, a neighbor and I decided to form a community climate group. Within the month, our nascent group of four had 12 subcommittees and a mailing list of several hundred. So many people had been looking for structure, for action…for hope. The scale of destruction in the world means that the climate crisis is existential. It can feel overwhelming. One activity about which I am particularly excited is the new citizen science collaboration between the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the National Weather Service monitoring coastal flooding. The findings feed directly into resiliency priorities of towns from Scarborough to Belfast. Town residents become stakeholders in their own community’s response. Like so much meaningful climate action, hope can be found with no special skills beyond a desire to learn about the water. At a time of scary weather patterns and falling records, look around, there are helpers everywhere. ~ Susana Hancock, international climate scientist and polar explorer, Freeport

Gardiner considers joining statewide effort to reduce carbon emissions, protect against climate change

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 1, 2023

Gardiner now has no public electric vehicle charging stations, but that could change if city officials pursue joining a statewide effort to reduce carbon emissions and ward against the effects of climate change. EV charging stations are among the options that could be funded by grants from the Maine Community Resilience Partnership, but it is not the only possible project for cities and towns interested in identifying ways to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate in Maine.

Editorial: Clean vehicle standards will get Maine where it needs to go

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

Maine law requires the state to reduce its fossil fuel emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. With more than half of all emissions in the state coming from transportation, we can’t expect to hit that target without putting a lot more electric vehicles on the road. If the Board of Environmental Protection adopts the proposal before them, auto manufacturers doing business in Maine would have to make sure that 43% of all new passenger vehicles are electric or hybrid in 2027. The threshold would raise to 82% by 2032; commercial trucks would be allowed a much more gradual transition. We suggest that the BEP go further, and follow California and other states in requiring that 100% of the new passenger vehicles sold by 2035 are low- or zero-emission.

Maine’s transition to low-emission vehicles: Benefits and challenges

NATION WORLD NEWS • October 1, 2023

The state of Maine is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and move toward a clean energy economy. Under Maine law, the state must reduce fossil fuel emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, and more than half of all emissions in the state come from the transportation sector. To achieve these goals, the State Environmental Protection Board is considering adopting some version of California’s clean vehicle emission standards. The proposed rules would reduce vehicle emissions by 75% and bring nearly $17 billion in benefits to Maine families and businesses. Choosing a 100% rule by 2035 would reduce emissions by 89% and add another $4 billion in benefits. Importantly, even under the most ambitious plan, no one will be forced to get rid of their internal combustion car. Gasoline vehicles will continue to be sold until 2035, although there will be auto options available after that year.

Living to 100? Great! In a climate crisis? Not so much

MAINE MONITOR • October 1, 2023

Now two disparate forces — exceptional human longevity and an unprecedented climate crisis — are converging, confronting us with an inconvenient truth: In a cruel twist of fate, we’re going to live longer than ever, just as the full force and fury of global warming take an imperiled Earth by storm. How ironic that in the history of our species’ evolution, more of us than ever are going to reach 100 at arguably the worst possible time. We owe it to ourselves, and especially to those future centenarian 5-year-olds, to do our utmost now to reverse or at least slow the effects of our most existential threat.

Column: My feeders are vacant. Where are the birds?

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

Not seeing as many birds at your bird feeder these days? Keep in mind that fall migration is peaking right now, and many birds are leaving Maine. From red-winged blackbirds to yellow warblers, many of the birds that have been in our yards and visiting our bird feeders for the last few months are heading to their wintering grounds in large numbers. Also, some of the species we don’t think of as migratory – since we see them in our backyards throughout the year – do actually undertake some, albeit short, migrations. Blue jays are a great example. Another major reason you are seeing fewer birds at feeders is because there is better food almost everywhere right now. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox

Column: Dogs are great companions, and a great responsibility

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

A lot of work goes into training and maintaining a hunting dog, but it’s a labor of love. When a setter staunchly locks up on point over an unseen woodcock or a relentless retriever ferrets out a teal from a tangle of cattails, it all seems worthwhile. Hunting with man’s best friend can be a rewarding experience, but occasionally leads to some unexpected adventures. ~ Bob Humphrey

Column: Pine Tree Power is a risky scheme with disastrous potential

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

They are so numerous that it would be easy, from now until Election Day, to write every week about the problems with the utility takeover scheme labeled Pine Tree Power. I’d run out of time and column inches long before I’d run out of problems to dissect. The foremost presumption made by proponents of Pine Tree Power is that changing the ownership and management structure of our utilities would be an improvement. There are no guarantees in life. It might be better, it might be worse. Moreover, elected members wouldn’t have to know anything about utility policy. The supporters of Pine Tree Power can’t guarantee they’d lower costs, respond to storms better or help the transition away from fossil fuels. What they can promise is a lengthy legal battle that could cost taxpayers millions. ~ Jim Fossel

Column: Great options for fall backpacking trips around Maine

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

Foliage season is here, and the window between now and when the snow flies is perhaps the best time of year to get out onto the backcountry trails for some scenery and solitude. There’s the well-known Appalachian Trail, Baxter State Park, Maine’s White Mountains, the Grafton Loop Trail and the Cutler Coast, sure, but what other options are there? A goodly number, as it turns out. Consider one of these lesser-traveled places for an easy to moderate overnight backpacking trip.
• Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson
• Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area south of the Golden Road
• International Appalachian Trail through Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
• Amherst Mountains Community Forest in Clifton
• Deboullie Public Lands in northern Aroostook County
• Little Moose Public Land west of Greenville
• Debsconeag Backcountry Trail in Nahmakanta Public Land
~ Carey Kish

Letter: Bringing Big Oil to justice

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 1, 2023

Climate-related American disasters cost at least $165 billion in 2022. We need a carbon fee be placed on coal, gas and oil. As we await legislative action, there is the justice system. The state of California has filed a lawsuit against five of the largest fossil fuel companies. There are successful precedents for this lawsuit, including lawsuits against the tobacco industry, the lead paint industry and the Sackler family for causing the opioid crisis. The media should be covering this closely, and other states should follow California’s lead. ~ Nancy Hasenfus, Brunswick

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