Woolwich rep. wants free state park admission for veterans’ families

TIMES RECORD • March 31, 2025

Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, introduced legislation on March 25 that would restore free admission to state parks and historic sites for the immediate family members of veterans and active military personnel. Hepler said, “Veterans make up nearly 10% of Maine’s population, the fifth-highest percentage in the nation with more than 105,000 living here. My bill aims to extend admission to the family members of our veterans as a small way to also recognize their sacrifices, so they too can freely access and enjoy our state parks and historic sites.”

Opinion: Logging is quietly ravaging US forests. Trump is taking an axe to protections

THE GUARDIAN • March 31, 2025

The world is running out of time to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Yet instead of stepping up, the United States is dismantling forest protections and undermining global progress – highlighting the dangers of global forest policy that fails to hold the wealthiest, most powerful countries accountable. It is a system built on the false assumption that the global north behaves responsibly, while scrutiny is reserved for tropical countries. But the latest actions by the US highlight just how dangerous and unbalanced this paradigm is. Trump’s latest action clearly shows the current model needs to change. ~ Jennifer Skene, Natural Resources Defense Council

Maine moving forward with budworm control, but funding delay will limit spray area

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 31, 2025

Maine will move forward with an effort to control spruce budworm infestations near the Canadian border, but the failure to get emergency state funding will limit the acreage that can be sprayed with insecticide this spring. The state has enough money to spray about 85% of the land on the verge of a spruce budworm outbreak.

Opinion: Electricity pricing proposal is all wrong for Maine

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 31, 2025

LD 186, “An Act to Clarify the Public Utilities Commission’s Authority to Establish Time of Use Pricing for Standard Offer Service,” would allow the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to implement time of use (TOU) pricing, which involves charging different rates for electricity usage during peak and off-peak hours. While this may seem like a fair approach to managing energy consumption, it disproportionately affects retirees, family caregivers and those who work from home. ~ André Chassé, AARP Maine’s volunteer state president

Opinion: Maine’s highest court spoke up for cyclists. Drivers and lawmakers should listen.

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 29, 2025

In State v. Ray, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court recently vacated a trial court decision against an experienced cyclist, who was wrongly ticketed by a law enforcement officer for allegedly violating the statute. As the court made clear in its decision, “because the statute leaves it entirely up to a cyclist to determine how far to the right it is safe to ride, it becomes unenforceable against a cyclist who claims it would have been unsafe to have ridden farther to the right.” This holding was a powerful affirmation of something we at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine have said for years: cyclists deserve the right to make safety-based decisions about where and how they ride. ~ Andrew Zarro, Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Maine Climate Council says it’s ‘not all doom and gloom’ amid concerns about federal cuts

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 28, 2025

Most of the federal money Maine is counting on to achieve its ambitious climate goals is still flowing, at least for now, despite President Donald Trump’s plan to withdraw support for clean energy and conservation projects, according to state climate officials. The council may eventually have to reconsider some of Maine’s climate change projections, timeline and goals. But that can’t happen until “after the dust settles,” most likely toward the end of the year.

Maine climate programs proceed amid federal funding freezes and uncertainty

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 28, 2025

Some state agencies are still receiving promised federal funding for climate initiatives in Maine, although others are not, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty about what the future will bring, members of the Maine Climate Council said in a quarterly update meeting Friday. The Trump administration has put on hold many federal grants awarded to Maine and other states under the Biden administration. That includes millions of dollars promised to improve woodland harvest practices in the state.

Column: Saying goodbye to spring migrants

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 28, 2025

The spring bird migration is really ramping up, as we’re hearing an audible increase in blackbirds and seeing waterways filled with waterfowl (appropriately). While we celebrate each day with the arrival of new species — I can’t wait for the first eastern phoebe to return, or my backyard pine warbler to be singing from the treetops — I wanted to draw your attention to some of the species that are leaving soon. Maine hosts many species of birds in the winter that will be departing for breeding grounds across Canada’s boreal forest. ~ Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon

Opinion: Maine has an ocean of potential

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 27, 2025

Maine as an ideal place to be a national leader in growing what has come to be known as the blue economy — those businesses and industries that rely on or contribute to healthy oceans and coasts. However, other states are already way ahead of us in promoting this kind of economic development. Recognizing this gap, last year the Maine Legislature established a Blue Economy Task Force to report on how the state can best capitalize on the opportunities emerging in marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, and maritime and shipping modernization. Innovation in legacy ocean industries like commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, ship and boatbuilding, and recreation and tourism, also represents a massive opportunity for our coastal communities to prosper. We can make Maine a leader in developing future industries in the communities we are proud to call home. ~ Michael Conathan, Upwell Collaborative and consultant supporting the work of the Blue Economy Task Force, South Portland

UMF outdoor recreation hub expands workforce, boosts western Maine

SUN JOURNAL • March 28, 2025

The University of Maine at Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Hub is set to strengthen Western Maine’s outdoor economy and workforce by partnering with key industry players and fostering small business development. UMF has introduced the Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence, a program designed to strengthen Maine’s outdoor economy by cultivating a highly skilled workforce in the outdoor recreation industry. The initiative aims to supply a pipeline of skilled professionals to support industry partners.

Gorham councilor opposes turnpike connector; the issue is headed to Augusta

AMERICAN JOURNAL • March 26, 2025

Two Gorham councilors are sparring over merits of a nearly dead, proposed turnpike connector and everyone can air it out next week in a legislative hearing. Councilor Charles “Lou” Simms opposes the toll road connector. Councilor Philip Gagnon says the town board wants the connector to spur commercial development that homeowners need to ease their tax burdens. The issue now moves to Augusta.

Other states consider joining Maine in banning the spreading of sewage sludge

ASSOCIATED PRESS • March 26, 2025W

While the application of sewage sludge as a fertilizer on farmland has been happening for decades, opposition is mounting amid growing environmental concerns about potential pollution of groundwater from toxic chemicals in wastewater. Maine has banned the land application of sewage sludge, and Oklahoma is considering a similar ban. Many other states are more closely regulating the practice. One big concern is the human health risk from toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals because they don’t degrade in the environment. They’re linked to health issues such as low birth weight and liver disease along with certain types of cancers.

Scientists issue grave warning after combing through 2,000 studies on wildlife around the globe: 'Unprecedented effects'

THE GUARDIAN • March 26, 2025

Humans are driving biodiversity loss among all species across the planet, according to a synthesis of more than 2,000 studies. Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology and the University of Zurich analyzed over 2,000 studies. The study cited "habitat change, pollution and climate change" among the main factors driving "unprecedented effects on biodiversity.” “This study proves that humans are the cause behind mass biodiversity loss. The authors noted that previous research made the "extent of human impacts on biodiversity remain ambiguous." Now, however, it can't be denied — humans are the root cause.

Maine Commercial Landowners Value USDA Incentives’ Contributions to Economy

NEW ENGLAND FORESTRY FOUNDATION • March 26, 2025

Maine forest landowners are voicing serious concerns that losing federal support—such as funding from the USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodities program—could disrupt ongoing improvements in forest management and pose long-term challenges for one of the state’s most vital industries. The ripple effects wouldn’t stop with landowners. Maine’s loggers, foresters, truckers, mills, and construction-related businesses would all feel the impact. The program is directly supporting workforce training and capacity-building at a time when these sectors are struggling to attract and retain skilled workers. Between $11 million and $12 million is dedicated to reimbursing Maine companies for forestry work.

Legislators consider whether to strengthen or weaken Maine's ban on plastic retail bags

MAINE PUBLIC • March 26, 2025

While some state legislators are looking to bolster Maine's ban on single-use plastic bags, others say the ban should be repealed entirely. The Environment and Natural Resources Committee today heard public testimony on bills to eliminate the five-cent fee for bags, increase the fee, bans on thicker plastic bags deemed "reusable," and a measure sponsored by Rep. Barbara Bagshaw to repeal the law.

Madison’s TimberHP files for bankruptcy

MORNING SENTINEL • March 25, 2025

TimberHP, the wood fiber insulation manufacturer that brought Madison’s shuttered paper mill back to life in 2023, filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday. The company has filed a voluntary, prenegotiated Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. As part of the plan, the company said bondholders will be investing $29 million to support the transition through the bankruptcy process and to provide capital for business growth, including the construction of its third manufacturing line for the product TimberBoard. Business, meanwhile, is expected to continue as usual, including the production and sales of two existing products, TimberBatt and TimberFill.

Bowdoinham rep. introduces legislation to help restore access to Swan Island

TIMES RECORD • March 25, 2025

Rep. Sally Cluchey, D-Bowdoinham, presented legislation at a public hearing on Monday before the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee that would direct the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) to develop a transportation plan for restoring reliable ferry service to Swan Island. In 2022, the ferry service for the island was discontinued due to aging infrastructure and U.S. Coast Guard requirements that included updated vessel inspection and staffing requirements. “Swan Island is a publicly owned resource that should be accessible to all Mainers,” Cluchey said.

Opinion: Maine teachers should embrace nature-based education

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • March 23, 2025

Since becoming 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, I have been widely sharing what I have learned about nature-based education. I have also been connecting with state and national leaders to advocate for providing all students with the opportunity to learn in and with nature. My goal is to help all teachers become comfortable with taking their pre-K-12 students outside to engage in nature-based learning. Students who have knowledge and love of their place grow into adults who have a desire to be active participants in creating successful communities. ~Becky Hallowell has been teaching for three decades and is currently a fourth-grade teacher at Wiscasset Elementary School

Opinion: Stops and starts in Maine’s race to decarbonize

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • March 23, 2025

Five years ago, I published “A New Energy Policy Direction for Maine: A Pathway to a Zero-Carbon Economy by 2050.” The pathway I set out is based on: (1) Decarbonization of the electric grid through the replacement of fossil-fuel generation with renewable, zero-carbon emission generation technologies and (2) Beneficial electrification through the conversion of heating and transportation to electricity. How is Maine doing? The track record is mixed. The solar projects being built are too small and the cost of this power has been far too high. We are lagging on the development of onshore wind generation. The solution: Northern Maine wind. Most disturbing are the prospects for offshore wind. This energy is critical, yet every attempt runs into a brick wall. Maine is ahead on residential heating conversions but behind on electric vehicle (EV) adoption. One solution is to design electricity rates to ensure increases in utility and environmental costs do not increase the price of using more electricity making it more expensive to install heat pumps or buy EVs. ~ Richard Silkman, Scarborough

International Day of Forests arrives amid concerns over Trump's sweeping logging agenda

NPR • March 21, 2025

Friday marks the International Day of Forests, as designated by the United Nations. the organization warns that 10 million hectares of forest are intentionally destroyed annually. Another 70 million hectares are impacted by fires, which experts say are being made worse by the ongoing climate crisis. In the United States, efforts from past administrations to better protect the environment have come under scrutiny by the Trump administration. This month, President Trump signed executive orders aimed at aggressively ramping up the nation's timber production. He framed the importation of wood products as a potential national security threat. Another order, signed on the same day, includes provisions to sidestep the 1973 Endangered Species Act.