New bill could make solar power more accessible to Maine renters

MAINE MORNING STAR • January 7, 2026

Lawmakers are considering a proposal that could help Maine renters lower electricity costs through the use of solar energy. State Sen. Nicole Grohoski (D-Hancock) said LD 1730 would allow for small, plug-in solar units so renters and other Mainers can access the renewable energy source without the large upfront investment of traditional panels and without adding costs to the state or other ratepayers. This focus on costs comes as Central Maine Power and Versant customers are slated to see their bills increase by an average of $13 to $17, according to an analysis by the Office of Public Advocate.

Opinion: Maine needs a climate superfund law

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 7, 2026

The devastating storms of the winter of 2023-2024 inflicted an estimated $90 million in damage to Maine’s public infrastructure. Rising temperatures contribute to increasingly intense storms. Even the U.S. Geological Survey — an agency of a federal administration now openly contemptuous of climate action — observes that “with increasing global surface temperatures the possibility of…increased intensity of storms will likely occur.” The Maine Climate Council says that “rising sea levels have caused recent increases in coastal flooding, such as the record-breaking storm events of January 2024.” The Legislature has the opportunity to pass LD 1870, which would establish a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program Fund, funded by fees assessed to any “entity that was engaged in the trade or business of extracting fossil fuel or refining crude oil between Jan. 1, 1995 and Dec. 31, 2024.” The fund would pay for “climate change adaptation projects in the State. The times call for courage. ~ Nate Davis, Rockland city councilor

1,500 truckloads of fill will be the last step in capping a coastal Maine Superfund site

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 7, 2026

It will now take about 1,500 truckloads of rocky material and topsoil to complete the final step of a yearslong process to remediate the Callahan Mine in Brooksville, a Superfund site. Work was most recently expected to wrap up there in 2026, but it may now stretch into 2027, according to state project manager Iver McLeod. The last step, capping waste rocks from metal mining that took place in the 1960s and ‘70s, will bring to a close 15 years of active, multimillion-dollar projects to clean up serious environmental contamination. Most of that funding comes from the federal government.

After a limited season last winter, smelt shacks return to a Maine river

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 7, 2026

Smelt shacks on the Kennebec River are now open for the season. While some businesses are located on the main stem of the Kennebec, others operate on tributaries including the Cathance, Eastern and Abagadasset rivers, which are all part of the greater Kennebec River smelt fishery. Poor ice conditions over the past three years have shortened what was once a season that ran from December through March. With climate change and the removal of a dam on the Kennebec, it now takes more sustained cold for the river to freeze solid. Those changes have forced many smelt camp operators out of business.

Maine's Environment in the 2026 Legislative Session, Jan 29

NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE • January 6, 2026

A virtual briefing on key environmental issues expected to shape Maine’s 2026 legislative session, including climate, water, wildlife, and outdoor access, with discussion of how the public can stay engaged. Hosted by NRCM, January 29, 12 pm, free.

Writing as Witnessing: Climate Storytelling Workshop for Adults, Jan 27-Mar 3

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • January 6, 2026

This six-week online workshop explores how personal storytelling and nonfiction writing can be used to reflect on climate change, local landscapes, and lived experience, guided by New England-based author Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder. Hosted by Maine Climate Action Now, January 27-March 3, 2026, free.

Environmental Priorities for Maine’s 2026 Legislative Session, Jan 23

MAINE CONSERVATION VOTERS • January 6, 2026

An overview of the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition’s agenda for the year ahead. Speakers from Maine Conservation Voters and other EPC member organizations will highlight key legislative priorities, including Climate Superfund, energy fairness, Wabanaki sovereignty, Land for Maine’s Future, conservation funding, and more. The coalition brings together 41 conservation, climate action, and public health organizations working to protect Maine’s natural resources and advance environmental justice statewide. January 23, 12 pm, free.

Sea State: Developing the Blue Economy & Supporting Working Waterfronts, Jan 21

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • January 6, 2026

A conversation on the changing coastal economy of the Gulf of Maine, highlighting innovation, working waterfronts, and community adaptation in the face of environmental and social change. Hosted by Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Jan 21, 2026, 5:30 pm.

Join the 2026 Maine Youth of Climate Justice Legislative Team; Deadline Jan 11

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • January 6, 2026

High school and college students under 30 are invited to learn how the Maine State Legislature works and advocate for climate justice. Team members will gain experience in grassroots organizing, public speaking, writing, and legislative advocacy, including presenting testimony, lobbying, and writing letters to the editor. Estimated commitment: 4.5–6 hours per month (January–April 2026). No prior experience or resume required. Admission: free.

Opinion: Maine’s climate action will rise from the ashes in 2026

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 6, 2026

2025 was a tough year for climate action. National priorities shifted, energy incentives were cut and climate mitigation and adaptation programs were phased out. Offshore wind faced major hurdles from inflation and high interest rates, supply chain constraints and new federal policies and executive orders that paused or halted projects. These changes pushed activity to the state and local levels, forcing businesses, government and communities to learn how to work together more collaboratively. The impacts of climate change are palpable in Maine. The pendulum of climate action will swing back toward stronger mitigation and adaptation policies. We must ensure Maine is not just prepared for that shift, but positioned to lead it. ~ Jeff Marks, ClimateWork Maine

How Trump dismantled a promising energy industry — and what America lost

MAINE MORNING STAR • January 6, 2026

How quickly things fell apart. Last month, the Trump administration ordered a pause on all five in-progress offshore wind projects in America citing unspecified risks to ​“national security.” It was the largest blow yet to a once-growing industry that Trump has brought to its knees in just 11 months. While Trump spent much of 2025 slowing the incredible rise of renewables, his unrelenting war on so-called ​“windmills” has been more vicious and personal. His attacks on offshore wind this past year encapsulate this new era of politics. He throttles long-held norms in favor of retribution and personal grievance. He contorts facts and pushes officials to do the same. Left in the wake are everyday citizens who are losing the prospect of good-paying jobs, access to lower emissions, revitalized ports, reliable electricity, and a buffer against skyrocketing power bills driven by an AI boom.

Draft Report on Issues Related to Public Access to Privately Owned Lands

MAINE GOVERNMENT • January 5, 2026

Maine’s tradition of public access to private lands is culturally and economically significant. With Maine’s landscape composed of 92 percent private ownership, access to private land supports hunting, angling, snowmobiling, ATV riding, hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, trapping, and a wide spectrum of year-round and seasonal recreation. However, this tradition faces increasing pressures, including expanding user groups, unprecedented levels of visitation, rising infrastructure costs, and new landowner concerns about liability, environmental damage, and inconsistent user behavior. Maine risks the erosion of an access system that has long benefited the public while respecting landowners. This report presents recommendations to strengthen the access system by addressing systemic challenges, improving education and enforcement, supporting landowners, and securing predictable long-term arrangements. The central message: The status quo is no longer sustainable, and immediate action is needed to support landowners who voluntarily provide access.

This short hike leads to a series of waterfalls in Nahmakanta Public Lands

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 5, 2026

Traveling along the bank of Musquash Stream in Nahmakanta Public Lands, a scenic hiking trail visits a series of small waterfalls before turning back into the forest and forming a small loop. This 0.9-mile trail is one of the many hikes located on the state-owned property, which encompasses 43,000 acres about halfway between Moosehead and Millinocket. The waterfalls that the trail visits on the stream are a combination of cascades, slides and stairs, and they’re ever changing, depending on the water level.

A rare whale is having an encouraging season for births. Scientists warn it might still go extinct

ASSOCIATED PRESS • January 5, 2026

One of the world’s rarest whale species is having more babies this year than in some recent seasons, but experts say many more young are needed to help stave off the possibility of extinction. The North Atlantic right whale’s population numbers an estimated 384 animals and is slowly rising after several years of decline. The whales have gained more than 7% of their 2020 population. Researchers have identified 15 calves this winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday. That number is higher than two of the last three winters, but the species needs “approximately 50 or more calves per year for many years” to stop its decline and allow for recovery, NOAA said. The whales are vulnerable to collisions with large ships and entanglement in commercial fishing gear.

Environmental organization sues federal government to protect horseshoe crabs in Maine and U.S.

MAINE PUBLIC • January 5, 2026

The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the federal government for failing to protect American horseshoe crabs under the Endangered Species Act. Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center, says since 2000, horseshoe crab populations have crashed by more than 70% across their range from Maine to Louisiana. "And the main reason their numbers have crashed is because of overharvest," Harlan said. "They've been decimated by both the bait and most recently, the blood harvest. That's when horseshoe crabs are taken and drained of their blood because that blood is useful in drug safety testing." The state of Maine considers the species at-risk due to development, wastewater effluent, and both unintentional catch and small scale harvesting. While their numbers have historically been relatively small in the state, Harlan said that's changing due to climate change.

MainePERS misses 2026 fossil fuel divestment deadline

MAINE PUBLIC • January 5, 2026

Maine's public retirement system has missed a 2026 deadline to fully divest from fossil fuels set five years ago, to the disappointment of some environmental advocates. The Maine Public Employee Retirement System (MainePERS) said it has about $1.15 billion invested in the fossil fuel sector as of last June. That's roughly 5% of its total investment portfolio, according to a end-of-year report to the Legislature. The agency said it stopped making investments in the sector in 2017. Fossil fuels as a share of its portfolio has gradually dropped and will be around 4% by 2028, according to the agency. But it "does not believe further active divestment from fossil fuels would be in the best financial interests of members as benefit recipients, as further action would conflict with both the trustees’ duty of loyalty and its duty of prudence to our members," MainePERS said in the report.

Waterville man seeks fewer city restrictions on keeping chickens

CENTRAL MAINE • January 5, 2026

Leo St. Peter says he thinks the city’s rules about keeping chickens are too restrictive, and he wants to see them loosened. St. Peter said with food prices high and people wanting to raise their own food to cut costs and eat more healthfully, making it easier to raise chickens is important. The requirement that people raising chickens have at least 8,000 square feet of property is too stringent, as is the limit of six chickens per lot, according to St. Peter.

Free the Andro Public Launch, January 27

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • January 5, 2026

The public is invited to attend the public launch of the Free The Andro coalition, a Maine non-profit citizens group formed to restore fish passage between the Androscoggin River and the ocean after more than a century of neglect and blockage at the Brunswick–Topsham dam. Free the Andro will present the challenges of the Brunswick-Topsham dam stopping passage of critical migratory fish and discuss potential solutions for rebuilding abundant and sustainable fish populations and returning the river to a functional ecosystem. This is truly a once-in-a lifetime opportunity as the dam faces Federal relicensing which will determine the fate of the river, its fish, commercial and recreational fishing, and the many communities along its shores for generations to come.

WHAT: FREE THE ANDRO Kick-Off Public Meeting

WHERE: Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick

WHEN: 5:00-6:30 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Column: Avoid the temptation of feeding deer in winter

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 5, 2026

Hunters and non-hunters may be tempted to provide supplemental nutrition to help deer survive the harsh winter conditions. Before you do, there are things you should know. First, deer are well adapted to withstand winter. Most will make it and some won’t, but that’s nature’s way of culling out the weak and sick. Feeding artificially concentrates deer, often in the wrong areas. Attracting deer close to roads and houses increases the probability of car-deer collisions, and stress or mortality from free-roaming dogs, as well as over-browsing and depredation of ornamental plants. Deer have a very complex digestive system. A deer could die with a full stomach if fed the wrong food at the wrong time. Enjoy the chance encounter when they wander through the backyard, but let them follow their natural instincts for finding food and cover. ~ Bob Humphrey