Anti-clean energy provisions in GOP bill will be ‘a disaster’ for Maine, warn advocates

MAINE MORNING STAR • June 30, 2025

Clean energy advocates are warning that the most recent version of the congressional special bill that proposes to cut credits and implement significant restrictions to clean energy projects could raise prices for Mainers, threaten new industry jobs and thwart the state’s climate goals. “By every measure this bill is a disaster for the hard-working people of Maine, and it will be especially devastating for the clean air and water that is central to our way of life,” said Anya Fetcher, federal policy advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. 

Maine issues new fish consumption limits for PFAS-tainted waters

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 30, 2025

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention updated its fish consumption advisory on Friday, adding four freshwater sites containing elevated levels of harmful toxic chemicals, known as PFAS, and beefing up protections for two other locations. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection found unsafe levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, in fish collected in 2024 from:
• Lovejoy Pond in Albion
• Sebasticook River in Burnham and Benton
• Collyer Brook in Gray
• Androscoggin Lake in Leeds and Wayne
The latest test results also prompted Maine CDC to beef up consumption guidelines for two already listed spots: no more than 10 fish of any kind a year from Annabessacook Lake in Monmouth and Winthrop and no more than three fish of any kind a year from Messalonskee Stream in Oakland and Waterville.

Letter: Sen. Collins shouldn’t support cuts that derail Maine’s climate work

CENTRAL MAINE • June 30, 2025

A recent article highlighted the fact that Maine’s climate plan is at risk due to cuts in the proposed federal budget, and I’m asking Sen. Susan Collins to vote against those cuts. The Maine Climate Council has done a good job of looking at those changes and making recommendations for the state’s climate action plan. The proposed cuts, though, would make their job much harder, if not impossible. To truly help Mainers, Sen. Collins should vote against the proposed cuts and work to make sure the necessary funding is restored. ~ Erica Bartlett, Portland

Battles over public lands loom even after sell-off proposal fails

MAINE MORNING STAR • June 30, 2025

Hunters, hikers and outdoors lovers of all stripes mounted a campaign this month against a Republican proposal to sell off millions of acres of federal public land. The public outcry was so forceful that the measure’s sponsor, GOP US Sen. Mike Lee, pledged to scale back the proposal. Then on Saturday, before an initial U.S. Senate vote on Republicans’ tax and spending cuts package, he withdrew it altogether. But even though the land sales proposal was defeated, experts say federal lands face a slew of other threats from President Donald Trump’s administration.

Maine potato scientists say conditions are ripe for late blight

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 30, 2025

Aroostook County potato growers should watch plants closely for late blight symptoms, crop scientists said Friday. High heat and humidity, followed by wet weather, make ideal conditions for the disease, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s most recent Potato Pest Alert. Late blight is a fungal disease that affects potatoes and tomatoes, and can cause widespread crop destruction.

Maine Calling: Best of Maine

MAINE PUBLIC • June 30, 2025

What, or who, best represents Maine? Mount Katahdin? Stephen King? The LL Bean boot? Lobster? Something else? Whatever your answer, the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission wants to hear from you. The commission is asking for nominations for the Maine Atlas Project, part of Maine’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Hear suggestions from panelists and listeners about what they think makes up the best of Maine. Panelists: Sarah Hansen, Maine Semiquincentennial Commission; Bill Green, longtime host of Bill Green’s Maine on WCSH/WLBZ; Emily Burnham, author, writer; former columnist with the Bangor Daily News. VIP caller: Shenna Belllows, Maine Secretary of State; leads the Maine Semiquincentennial Committee

Proposed zoning changes would allow for more solar in Yarmouth

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 30, 2025

The Yarmouth Planning Board is considering zoning rule changes that would allow for a variety of solar panels in parts of town. Much like the proposed project that prompted the town to examine the allowance of solar, the amendments received mostly negative public feedback at a meeting on June 25. One goal of the Yarmouth Climate Action Plan, adopted last year, is to increase the use of renewable energy in the town. At the Planning Board workshop, residents largely focused on concerns about solar arrays impacting the Holy Cross Cemetery or requiring clearing of woods and shorelines, a valuable ecosystem.

Editorial: Hold Maine’s paper mills to higher standards

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • June 29, 2025

Two highly polluting Maine paper mills, one in Rumford and one in Skowhegan, are among the dirtiest in America. By continuing to burn coal and tires among other dirty fuels, these plants are filling the air we breathe with hazardous pollutants and warming the climate in the process. Maine should make every effort to support and future-proof industries with a strong and especially valuable foothold in the state. When it comes to our remaining paper mills relying on the existing EPA emissions framework does us a grave disservice. With a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040 and with a view to both protecting the health of local residents and slashing greenhouse gas emissions, it’s time to be clear and unwavering about modernizing and cleaning up these operations.

Column: Climbing Katahdin can be dangerous. Take these steps to stay safe.

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 28, 2025

There is no easy trail to the top of Katahdin — every route is steep and strenuous. The rocky trails range from 9 to 11 miles round-trip, with anywhere from 3,800 to 4,200 feet of elevation gain. Physical and mental preparation in advance of your big hike is a must; this is best accomplished through lots of hiking, in all types of conditions. Plan on carrying the “Ten Essentials” plus a few extras. Don’t hike alone. Get a paper trail map, select a climbing route and study it. Practice basic map and compass skills. Navigate using a GPS phone app. Pack a first aid kit and know how to use it. Make good use of the most important tool you’re carrying: your brain. With a maximum of care, go forth to reap the reward of Maine’s greatest hiking experience. Have fun! ~ Carey Kish

1 person rescued Friday from the Penobscot River

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 28, 2025

One person was rescued Friday night from the Penobscot River. Firefighters received the call for a water rescue at 6:09 p.m. Crews from Hampden Fire responded with a truck, boat and ambulance. Crews were able to bring the person safely to shore for medical treatment.

Opinion: South Portland’s Comprehensive Plan Committee is not listening to its constituents

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 28, 2025

The South Portland Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC) is failing its constituents by not listening. South Portlanders have repeatedly communicated that they do not want new development near tanks, on brownfields, or in areas prone to flooding or sea level rise — which plentiful research shows will increase due to climate change. All predictions are that the area near Bug Light Park is going to face increased flooding. It’s next to tanks that emit dangerous amounts of chemicals like benzene, and the soil of this former shipyard is highly polluted. The Maine Climate Council (and others) urge coastal localities to plan for 8.8 feet of sea level rise by 2100. Let’s work together to “promote a safe, attractive, equitable and prosperous South Portland,” as stated in the mission of the CPC. ~ Debbe Davis, South Portland

Bar Harbor cruise ship traffic slows to a trickle under new limits

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 28, 2025

Tourist season in Bar Harbor has resumed with the usual crowded sidewalks and hard-to-find parking spots, but there is one noticeable difference this summer. The town’s cruise ship visits are a shadow of what they have been the past three years. After seeing more than 100 ship visits between April and early November in each of the past three years — most of them from large ships — Bar Harbor this year at most will get 16 large ship visits, and so far hasn’t had any. Since 2022 local voters twice have supported referendums that effectively ban visits by ships that carry 1,000 or more passengers. None of those large ships have appeared in Bar Harbor this year, and the shops and restaurants that have been geared toward their passengers are feeling the pinch.

More Maine water bodies have PFAS-contaminated fish, CDC warns

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 27, 2025

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday added six entries to a growing list of Maine water bodies where fishing is not recommended because of high levels of toxic “forever chemicals.” The updated advisories, which recommend limiting consumption of all fish, or certain fish, from six water bodies, come after tests of fish in the locations found levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, that were above the Maine CDC’s recommended levels for regular consumption. The updated list includes Lovejoy Pond in Albion; Sebasticook River in Burnham and Benton; Collyer Brook in Gray; Androscoggin Lake in Leeds and Wayne; Annabessacook Lake in Monmouth and Winthrop; and Messalonskee Stream in Waterville.

New legislation charts Maine’s pathway to 100% clean energy by 2040

MAINE MONITOR • June 27, 2025

Legislation signed by Gov. Janet Mills this month codifies and fast-tracks Maine’s transition to 100 percent clean energy amid growing uncertainty about the future of federal tax credits for renewable energy projects. The law, L.D. 1868, advances Maine’s previous energy goals by a decade. It requires the state to transition its energy portfolio to 90 percent renewable sources and 10 percent low- or zero-carbon sources by 2040. In 2023, roughly 65 percent of the energy generated in Maine came from renewable sources. Lead sponsor Sen. Mark Lawrence (D-York) said the legislation will make the transition by creating new incentives for low-carbon sources in Maine’s energy portfolio, allowing generators like large-scale hydropower and regional nuclear power plants to qualify for energy credits.

Pool chemicals injure resident, prompt hazmat response in Lisbon

SUN JOURNAL • June 27, 2025

A hazardous materials incident involving pool chemicals prompted emergency services to close a portion of Littlefield Road on Friday. Firefighters were called to a medical emergency at 106 Littlefield Road around 7:45 a.m. after a resident was exposed to chlorine-based pool treatment and experienced difficulty breathing. Responding paramedics identified the situation as a hazardous materials incident and the resident was transported to Central Maine Medical Center. Lisbon public works closed Littlefield Road between Crowley and King roads as a safety precaution. Once hazardous conditions were resolved, the scene was declared safe and roads were reopened.

Opinion: Bipartisan effort paves way for sustainable transportation in Maine

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 27, 2025

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, making it vital for us to build a transportation system that not only serves our current needs but is also resilient and sustainable for future generations. By investing in green transportation initiatives and infrastructure updates, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a positive contribution to our environment. Gov. Mills and our legislators have taken steps in this direction, promoting strategies that will make our transportation systems safer and more eco-friendly. ~ Maria Fuentes, Maine Better Transportation Association

Letter: Forest Ave development is reckless, irresponsible

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 27, 2025

A developer plans to build two three-story apartment buildings along Talbot School Road. The project, Belfort Landing, would dramatically affect Belfort Street, a quiet residential cul-de-sac behind the site. The new buildings at the height of a four-story structure would tower over nearby one- and two-story homes and drastically altering the site’s drainage. The consequences are negligent and reckless. When my basement floods, who will be held accountable? A project that knowingly increases the risk of flooding should never move forward without serious, enforceable redesign. ~ Erica Berry, Portland

What Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ means for Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 27, 2025

President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is running into hurdles as Republicans in Congress try to get the sweeping tax and policy measure to the president by his preferred July 4 deadline. The U.S. Senate was expected to start voting as soon as Friday on its version of the massive proposal that seeks to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. The budget bill squeaked through the House by one vote in May. The bill may add more than $2 trillion to the federal deficit over a decade and leave millions more uninsured while extending tax cuts. A poll released Wednesday found fewer than a third of Mainers want Congress to pass the bill. The Senate version of Trump’s megabill will phase out clean energy tax credits that have benefited Maine. The Sierra Club said it was delivering around 1,000 signed postcards from Mainers to U.S. Sens. Susan Collins Bangor office Friday that ask her to save the tax credits and oppose a public lands selloff.

This easy hike leads to some of Acadia’s most famous landmarks

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 27, 2025

Tracing the scenic, rocky coast of Mount Desert Island, the Ocean Path is a popular easy hiking trail in Acadia National Park that spans from the famous Sand Beach to Otter Point. The 2.1-mile Ocean Path is a wide path that’s surfaced with gravel much of the way. Expect a few small hills and stairs built of wood or stone. The trail becomes more rugged and rocky as it circles Otter Point. Keep in mind that this is a 4.2-mile out-and-back hike, unless you park vehicles at both ends or turn around early.

Why the Maine woods sometimes sound like a horror movie

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 27, 2025

Anyone who spends time in the Maine woods knows there are plenty of things that not only go bump in the night — they scream, shriek, howl and chatter. Knowing which sounds certain animals make is key to assessing if there are any creatures nearby that could pose a threat to you or your pets. “We’ve got a fair amount of screamers out there from the fox to your bobcat and the lynx that has a weird scream,” said John Pelletier, a Registered Maine Guide. “One people often don’t think about is the porcupine and they have one heck of a scream.” By far the most common culprit is the fox.