Sierra Club: We Will Be A Force Of Nature Defending Our Planet From Trump

SIERRA CLUB • November 6, 2024

Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said, “Donald Trump was a disaster for climate progress during his first term, and everything he’s said and done since suggests he’s eager to do even more damage this time. During Trump’s first term, we fought relentlessly to defend against his administration’s attacks on climate progress and clean air and water, and we are ready to fight again. We will challenge Trump’s dangerous proposals in court, keep the pressure on banks and big corporations to clean up their act, and mobilize our 64 chapters and millions of members and volunteers nationwide to continue to make progress at the state and local levels.”

The Nature Conservancy: We will work with Trump

TNC • November 6, 2024

On November 6th, the Associated Press declared that Donald Trump is the president-elect for the United States. In response, Jennifer Morris, TNC chief executive officer, released a statement: “We will work with the Trump administration on a range of issues: ensuring clean air and water; transitioning to clean energy; enhancing carbon storage in natural and working lands; reducing catastrophic wildfire risks; creating reefs and other natural infrastructure; and restoring wildlife habitat.”

Trump has sweeping plans for second administration

ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 6, 2024

Donald Trump has promised sweeping action in a second administration. Trump, who claims falsely that climate change is a “hoax,” blasts Biden-era spending on cleaner energy designed to reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels. He proposes an energy policy – and transportation infrastructure spending – anchored to fossil fuels: roads, bridges and combustion-engine vehicles. “Drill, baby, drill!” was a regular chant at Trump rallies. Trump says he does not oppose electric vehicles but promises to end all Biden incentives to encourage EV market development. Trump also pledges to roll back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards.

Editorial: Your National Monuments Are Not Secure from the Next Trump Administration

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • November 6, 2024

The Antiquities Act has been used by 18 presidents across party lines to protect 164 important spots around the U.S. In Maine, in 1916 President Wilson established Sieur de Monts National Monument, which became Acadia National Park. A century later, President Obama established Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Now, activists are urging the Biden-Harris Administration to proclaim the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle a national monument. However, Project 2025 calls for rolling back or removing protections for national monuments by a Trump Administration, and repealing the Antiquities Act so future presidents cannot protect cultural treasures. RESTORE and other conservation advocates are preparing to oppose rollbacks of our public lands protections. You can help by supporting those groups and by urging your representatives in Congress to create new national parks and to uphold federal protections for your national monuments, national parks, and other public conservation lands.

Scarborough approves $6 million land bond

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Scarborough voters passed by a vote of 8,902 to 5,321 a $6 million bond to replenish the town’s land acquisition fund, which is used to contribute to purchasing land for conservation, preserving wildlife habitats or recreation. It is the fifth time residents have voted on the land fund, created via a $1.5 million referendum in 2000 with nearly 75% of voters approving the bond then. It was replenished in 2003 with $2.5 million with 71.1% of voters in favor; in 2009 with $1 million and 67.6% of voters in favor; and in 2019 with $2.5 million and 57.9% of voters in favor.

Bar Harbor residents reject effort to replace cruise ship cap

MAINE PUBLIC • November 6, 2024

Bar Harbor's contentious cruise ship visitor cap will stay in place after residents voted down a referendum to repeal it. The effort failed by just 63 votes — 1,776 residents voted against the measure and 1,713 voted in favor. The question asked voters to repeal a 1,000-person cap instituted in 2022 after a citizens petition. It would have replaced that policy with a new proposal from the town council, which would have allowed up to 3,200 visitors per day, and was supported by some local businesses that oppose the harsher cap.

A Path Forward for Science and Democracy

UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS • November 6, 2024

The last Trump presidency saw 207 attacks on science, including censorship, falsified records, political interference, and intimidation of scientists. The president elect has promised an all-out war on science, promising to fire government scientists and dismantle science agencies. Additionally, President-elect Trump is a mis- and dis-information superspreader. UCS is immediately mobilizing the 17,000 scientists in our network and our partners to fight attacks on federal science and scientists.

Opinion: Royal River dam removal is long overdue

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Maine has more than 1,000 dams across its rivers and streams and most of them no longer serve their intended purpose. Instead, these decaying structures continue to damage habitats and ecosystems associated with the rivers they obstruct. Yarmouth’s two dams on the Royal River, built more than 160 years ago, are an unfortunate example of how these relics impede the restoration of precious riverine habitat. After 20 years of studies, we urge the town of Yarmouth to take action and seize this opportunity to remove the dams. Dam removal is the most cost-effective approach to river restoration and will have a lasting positive impact on the river, wildlife and the community. ~ Christine Force, Yarmouth, Royal River Alliance

Letter: Tough questions for South Portland planners

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

I am writing as a concerned resident of South Portland regarding the comprehensive plan discussions, particularly related to hazardous waste, noise pollution and flooding risks. The claim that “anything can be remediated” regarding hazardous materials like benzene, arsenic and lead is misleading. Any proposed residential development on the Bug Light peninsula would conflict with current FAA noise abatement procedures. Finally, many studies suggest that current models underestimate flooding risks due to climate change. ~ Steven Shane, South Portland

Letter: A positive step on quarry concerns

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 5, 2024

The Brickyard Quarry is located remarkably close to downtown Gorham and affects hundreds of residents. Shaw Brothers’ willingness to listen and adjust plans based on neighbors’ concerns about health and safety is a good start. On Oct. 8, the quarry owners sent a letter to the town that laid out two options for the town to consider: Option 1 – a quarry expansion of 26 acres, and Option 2 – a quarry expansion of only 6.33 acres. The remainder would be dedicated to 200 or so manufactured housing units. Gorham and the state should review all quarry regulations before any quarry expansion is approved. What is more important than the health and safety of our citizens? ~ Charles Hamblen, Gorham

Jump in EV sales drains Maine incentives fund

MAINE PUBLIC • November 5, 2024

A surge of electric vehicle purchases has nearly emptied a state fund set aside to encourage drivers to buy zero-emission cars and trucks. Efficiency Maine Trust will suspend its rebate program for most EV purchases on Nov. 16. Qualified low-income buyers can still access state incentives. Under the program drivers could get up to $2,000 back for qualified battery-electric vehicles and $1,000 for hybrid models. Battery-electric rebates were steady for years, with 70 to 90 a month. Starting in August, however, rebates more than doubled. In October, the quasi-state agency processed more than 190 rebates.

Opinion: Maine’s energy future demands a clear path for community solar

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 5, 2024

Maine’s GOP and their fossil fuel allies have been using misleading tactics to attack community solar. As chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, I’ve witnessed the benefits of community solar firsthand and need to set the record straight: community solar is not the problem; it’s part of the solution. Some opponents claim the net energy billing (NEB) program is out of control and driving up costs. This is simply not true. We have reformed NEB three times in the last four years to ensure it remains fair, efficient and cost-effective for everyone. By participating in community solar, we are investing in our state’s future while saving money today. Don’t let misleading campaigns cloud the truth. ~ Rep. S. Paige Zeigler, Montville

Column: Wardens are ready for ‘lost hunter’ season

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 5, 2024

Maine Wardens receive on the average of 500 missing person calls a year. When a hunter or a dementia patient is reported missing, the search and rescue team swings into action. Concerned relatives or friends of a missing person should not hesitate to make that call. If in doubt, call. With today’s cellphones more outdoor people, especially hikers, are given a false sense of confidence and assume that if they get in trouble, help is a click away. New Hampshire, particularly, has experienced hikers who have had to be rescued in the White Mountains after getting into trouble. New Hampshire, as well as Maine, has a law that allows the state to send a bill to an irresponsible hiker for the cost of search efforts rendered. New Hampshire in a few instances has invoked the law. Maine, to date, has not. ~ V. Paul Reynolds

Auburn council to consider more Lake Auburn watershed protections

SUN JOURNAL • October 4, 2024

The City Council is set to vote on the new ordinance amendments later this month, which city staff described as an attempt to further protect water quality for Lake Auburn while still allowing landowners in the area to engage in agricultural or forestry uses.

Yard South developer withdraws controversial plan in South Portland

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 4, 2024

The developer of Yard South, a controversial mixed-use proposal to redevelop the city’s former World War II shipyard property, has withdrawn its rezoning request amid organized opposition from residents. PK Realty had submitted a rezoning request in July for a proposal that would have added about 1,000 residential units, including 100 subsidized, a waterfront park and other community amenities within 15 to 20 years. “It’s just become really apparent that the city doesn’t have a process in place to manage a project of this scope and scale,” Packard said Monday.

New England grid reports greenhouse gas reductions

MAINE PUBLIC • November 4, 2024

Greenhouse gas pollution from electricity generation slid 4% in 2023, according to a new analysis from regional electric grid operator ISO-New England. Last year's drop in climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions is linked to mild winter and summer temperatures that limited periods of high electricity demand. Falling natural gas prices in 2023 also made that fuel more economical than coal or oil for electricity generation, the grid operator added. But the growth of solar and wind power played a role in curbing greenhouse gas pollution too.

Groundbreaking eelgrass pilot restoration takes root in Casco Bay

TIMES RECORD • November 4, 2024

Eelgrass, or Zostera marina, is found along the Atlantic coast from Chesapeake Bay to Maine, but its population has declined drastically in recent years. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, more than 50% of native eelgrass has receded. Many factors have contributed, from stormwater pollution to invasive green crabs munching on the grass beds. Hidden out of sight, the aquatic plant plays a key role in coastal environments and has captured the attention of scientists. Ecologically, it provides a habitat for dozens of juvenile species, from striped bass and blue crabs to lobsters, mussels and bay scallops. Local scientists are embarking on an underwater climate solution — a pilot-scale restoration of eelgrass to capture carbon emissions and mitigate effects.

Portland to consider temporary moratorium on new hotel projects

MAINE PUBLIC • November 4, 2024

The Portland City Council on Monday night will consider a six-month moratorium on new hotel projects and expansions. Supporters say it would give city officials time to review inclusionary zoning rules passed in 2019. Those rules require that developers provide one unit of low-income rental housing for every 28 hotel rooms that are built in Portland, or they must pay a fee. Moratorium backers argue that no affordable housing units have been built by hotel developers in the five years since the rules were approved and that the fees aren't enough to cover the true costs of new housing construction. The proposed moratorium would not apply to projects that have already submitted applications.

Maine experiencing ‘abnormally dry’ fall, heightened wildfire concerns

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 3, 2024

The state of Maine has seen a dry fall so far with parts of the state expected to remain in moderate drought conditions into November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded 3.61 inches of precipitation in the Portland area from September through October this year, 5.41 inches below normal. Dry conditions are expected to continue into November.

Letter: Vote yes on Question 4 to support Maine’s outdoor economy

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 1, 2024

Outdoor recreation is a critical component of Maine’s economy. Many towns in Maine rely primarily on outdoor recreation for economic stability. However, Maine does not have a history of investing in this industry. If we pass the Maine trails bond, which is Question 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot, we will invest 30 million into designing, maintaining, and creating trails all over Maine. This bond can help Maine to capitalize on its crucial, yet fragile, outdoor recreation industry. ~ Kyle Arthenayake, Waterville