In rebuttal: Op-ed’s dismissal of heat pumps skipped some facts

SUN JOURNAL • December 9, 2023

Les Otten’s dismissal of heat pumps in favor of pellet stoves skipped over a few facts that complicate the picture. Mr. Otten’s brisk summary of heating appliance efficiency fails to note that while wood pellet stoves might achieve 85%, heat pumps are actually 400% efficient at moderate outdoor temperatures, and they produce zero waste heat. Even at sub-zero outdoor temperatures the heat pump efficiency is 200%. Otten claims that it is “an undeniable truth” that “wood indisputably has the best carbon footprint.” The carbon neutrality of biomass burning is much in dispute due to the timescale of carbon dioxide uptake. The CO2 from a tree burned today will take 30-plus years to be taken up in regrowth. We don’t have those 30 years to address the problem. Furthermore, any biomass not burned is that much less CO2 produced. ~ Paul Stancioff is a University of Maine Farmington professor emeritus of Physics. Cynthia Stancioff is a retired English major seeking climate solutions

Downeaster receives millions for maintenance, planning for future service improvements

MAINE PUBLIC • December 8, 2023

The Downeaster rail corridor has secured a $27.5 million federal grant to improve the main line from Brunswick to the Massachusetts border. The funds will help replace some 124,000 railroad ties and should improve the delivery of freight into Maine. CSX Transportation, which owns the line, has agreed to contribute another $6.8 million. The maintenance will bring the line into a state of good repair, and it will ultimately improve service for Amtrak travelers as well.

Amtrak’s Downeaster to receive $27 million in federal funding for track improvements

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 8, 2023

Amtrak’s Downeaster will receive $27 million under a new initiative from the Biden administration to improve and expand passenger rail service across the country. The funds for the Downeaster Corridor Track Improvement Project will improve the mainline from Brunswick to the Massachusetts state line and help avoid delays and longer transit times.

Opinion: Maine needs to adopt state rules to clean up trucking pollution

CENTRAL MAINE • December 8, 2023

It is clear that if we want to mitigate the climate crisis impacts on our communities we need to use every tool to move toward a zero-emissions future. As a scientist, I support positive, common-sense policies that help us reach our climate goals. Transportation is the most polluting sector in Maine and the Clean Transportation Roadmap lays out clear recommendations to cut emissions. The Maine DEP has began the rulemaking process on two clean vehicle rules: Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II). The ACC II sets sales targets for electric vehicles through 2032 and the ACT sets electric sales targets for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to accommodate an efficient transition to electric trucks and buses. Neither of these forces anyone to buy an EV, but rather ensures that the market provides an increasing range of options for sales. ~ Robert Dodge, Maine’s Union of Concerned Scientists

Letter: Lobstermen and their obstructionism

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 8, 2023

Last year, the Maine lobster industry was faced with a potential new requirement that would mandate the use of on-demand or “ropeless” fishing gear to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale in certain times and places. Maine’s representatives delivered what the governor hailed as a “lifeline for Maine’s lobster industry”: Six years and $18 million to test and develop safer fishing gear. The lobster industry got exactly what it wanted: more time and money. But to read that the industry now won’t even participate in the testing that it demanded is beyond troubling. This exposes what may be behind this: a shameless political tactic to delay doing what is needed to help this species recover. ~ Sarah Perry, Falmouth

Going Wild with adventure birder and YouTuber Bob Duchesne

MAINE PUBLIC • December 7, 2023

Aislinn talks with Bob Duchesne about how he first got interested in birding and asks him for some tips for beginner birders. Be sure to check out Bob's YouTube channel and his website.

As Maine sees record number of Lyme cases, health officials urge precautions through the winter

MAINE PUBLIC • December 7, 2023

Maine has seen a record number of Lyme disease cases this year, according to the state Center for Disease Control. There have been more than 2,700 cases so far. This year, the Maine CDC also recorded a record five cases of Powassan virus.Deer ticks can be active anytime the temperature is above freezing, and health officials are urging people to take precautions through the winter to prevent bites.

With merger, Scarborough Land Trust, Friends of Scarborough Marsh join forces

FORECASTER • December 7, 2023

After years of collaboration, the Scarborough Land Trust and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh announced Thursday that they are officially merging. The land trust’s bigger budget, experienced grant writers and full-time staff members will allow the members of Friends of Scarborough Marsh to have greater impact.

Column: Look to Feast of the Seven Fishes to inspire holiday meals

TIMES RECORD • December 7, 2023

It’s easy to love the Feast of the Seven Fishes when you live in Maine and have access to an amazing variety of seafood — even in December. The significance of fish in this feast stems in part from Catholic traditions such as not eating meat on Friday or, in this case, on Christmas Eve, “La Vigilia” in Italian. The holiday is thought to have started amongst families from southern Italy immigrating to America who sought to continue to find ways to celebrate their seaside heritage. Holidays are all about traditions, and they often involve good food. Learning about these types of feasts is an easy way to be introduced to new cultures and to discover a new way to enjoy the local foods. This holiday season, don’t forget the fishes. ~ Susan Olcott

Opinion: Aroostook Renewable Gateway benefits Maine in many ways

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 7, 2023

LS Power Development, the company overseeing the Aroostook Renewable Gateway project, is committed to develop a transmission project that delivers Maine-made renewable energy with minimal environmental impact and maximum economic and societal benefits for Maine residents. Unfortunately, developing an underground project would be over five times more expensive to Maine ratepayers and likely have a greater environmental impact because of the need to dig a continuous trench through aquifers, wetlands and sensitive environmental habitats. Several local environmental organizations have reviewed the proposed routes and potential environmental impacts. They support the Maine Public Utilities Commission in finalizing a contract for the project. ~ Doug Mulvey, Missouri-based LS Power Development

Letter: Increase public transportation options

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 7, 2023

The recent report from the Maine Climate Council mentioned that Maine is falling short in transitioning to electric vehicles (“Maine Climate Council reports progress in fight against climate change,” Dec. 1). EVs will help reduce emissions, but I’d like to see more from the council on improving public transportation options so people don’t need to drive as much at all. ~ Erica Bartlett, Portland

Massachusetts budget approval allows utilities to recoup added cost of hydropower corridor

ASSOCIATED PRESS • December 6, 2023

A budget signed by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey this week will allow utilities to raise rates to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs to complete a transmission line to bring Canadian hydropower to the New England electricity grid. The head of Central Maine Power Co.’s corporate parent, Avangrid, has said the cost of the $1 billion project grew to $1.5 billion as litigation delayed construction and inflation caused prices to creep upward. Avangrid partnered with Hydro-Quebec on the New England Clean Energy Connect to supply 1,200 megawatts of hydropower to meet green energy goals in Massachusetts. The 145-mile transmission line will stretch from Lewiston to the Canadian border.

Decades after Europe, turning blades send first commercial offshore wind power onto US grid

ASSOCIATED PRESS • December 6, 2023

U.S. offshore windpower has hit a milestone. An 800-foot tall turbine is now sending electricity onto the grid from a commercial-scale offshore wind farm on pace to be the country’s first. Danish wind energy developer Ørsted and the utility Eversource announced Wednesday the first electricity from what will be a 12-turbine wind farm 35 miles east of Montauk Point, New York. The project has also overcome objections from fishermen and some environmentalists.

How does Maine support local farmers’ markets?

ENERGY PORTAL EU• December 5, 2023

This article explores the various ways in which the state of Maine supports local farmers’ markets. It delves into the initiatives, programs, and policies implemented by the government and non-profit organizations to promote and sustain these markets. By highlighting the benefits of farmers’ markets and the efforts made to bolster their success, this article sheds light on Maine’s commitment to supporting local agriculture and fostering vibrant communities.

Brunswick council approves emission reduction targets

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 6, 2023

The Brunswick Town Council on Monday unanimously approved ambitious emission reduction targets that officials said will fight climate change, help the town access state and federal funds, and serve as an example to other communities. The council approved townwide emission reduction targets of 65% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. They also approved a net-zero reduction target for municipal operations, including schools, by 2040. Councilor Dan Ankeles said the town should explore things like zoning reform, retrofitting buildings, universal curbside composting, electric vehicle charging stations, e-bike rebate programs and land conservation.

CMP, public advocate at odds over utility's spending during last year's storms

MAINE PUBLIC • December 6, 2023

Central Maine Power and Maine’s Public Advocate are at odds over the utility's spending to restore power after several storms last year. The public advocate argues that the utility's storm restoration costs are "excessive" and "imprudent," and believes that regulators should prohibit CMP from recovering about $53 million from ratepayers. But at a public hearing Tuesday, a few business owners and municipal officers came to CMP's defense. They argued that they depend on the utility to quickly restore power. CMP says the public advocate misinterpreted its emergency restoration plans.

Winthrop Planning Board nears completion of mining regulations

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • December 6, 2023

The Winthrop Planning Board is close to wrapping up a draft ordiance ordinance to regulate mining after a proposal for a quarry on Turkey Lane faced backlash, ultimately leading to a moratorium that expires early next year. But residents have raised concerns about a lack of community engagement and transparency in the process.

Opinion: Give thanks for the forest and the ocean

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 6, 2023

One of the remarkable ways in which the forests of Maine and the Gulf of Maine are connected is through the water cycle. The rivers and streams that flow through the forested landscapes of Maine ultimately reach the Gulf of Maine. They carry with them essential nutrients that contribute to the health of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Gulf of Maine owes some of its ecological richness to the nutrients delivered by these freshwater sources. As we appreciate the benefits of Maine’s forests and the richness of the gulf, let’s give thanks to the critical relationship between these two iconic natural systems and the importance of comprehensive ecological stewardship. ~ Karin R. Tilberg, Forest Society of Maine

Owner of West Enfield dam accuses Versant of stealing $2M

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 6, 2023

Versant Power wrongfully claimed more than $2 million of renewable energy credits from a hydroelectric dam, a lawsuit alleges. Bangor-Pacific Hydro Associates, which owns the West Enfield Dam on the Penobscot River, is accusing Versant of illegally taking its renewable energy credits for six years and selling them for “significantly more than” $2 million.

Maine has 2 of the fastest-growing markets for second homes

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 6, 2023

At a time when nearly half of Maine households can’t cover basic living expenses, the state remains one of the nation’s top markets for second homes. York and Cumberland counties were ranked third and fifth, respectively, in a roundup of the 10 U.S. markets that saw the biggest increases in second home transactions from 2022 to 2023. Maine, which is dealing with an affordable housing crisis driven by a lack of supply, was the only state to appear twice on the top-10 ranking.