Many Mainers would like to think that the paper, plastic and other materials they consume each week will find a new life once they leave it at the curb or
Governor s Forest Carbon Task Force
Forests cover 89 percent of Maine and are the foundation for Maine’s forest products industry and the state’s overall natural resource-based economy. Each year, Maine s forests sequester an amount of carbon equal to at least 60 percent of the state s annual carbon emissions, a figure that rises to 75 percent when durable forest products are included. The Forest Carbon Task Force work seeks to build upon this effort.
Created by Executive Order of Governor Janet Mills, the Forest Carbon Task Force was recommended by the state’s new four-year climate action plan,
Maine Won’t Wait, and aims to develop a voluntary program for small-to-medium size woodland owners in Maine who want to utilize their land for long-term storage of carbon emissions, a process known as carbon sequestration.
By Staff
Eleven projects to restore, enhance or protect wetlands and other important natural resources around the state were selected to receive the latest round of funds from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program.
The projects include a dam removal project in Vassalboro, a tidal culvert upgrade in Cape Elizabeth, and conservation of high-value wetlands at sites ranging in size from 24 acres to nearly 500 acres.
In all, $2,455,038 was awarded to restore or enhance almost 10 acres of wetlands and help conserve over 1,300 acres of wetlands and upland buffer.
The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program has become one of Maine’s most important tools for conservationists and developers to work together to protect fragile wetland habitats,” Melanie Loyzim, acting commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, said in a news release. “It’s a win for Maine’s natural environment, and it’s a win for Maine’s economy.”
Wed, 02/03/2021 - 12:15pm
State Rep. Jeffrey P. Hanley. Courtesy photo
State Rep. Jeffrey P. Hanley (R-Pittston) has been appointed to the 130th Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Taxation. Hanley will serve as the ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The Taxation Committee is responsible for state and local taxes; tax credits and exemptions, taxpayer relief programs, and other tax issues. The Environment and Natural Resources committee has oversight that includes natural resource protection and environmental policy, including Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
“Maine taxpayers, businesses, workers and their families have been hit hard over the past year,” said Hanley. “Now is not the time to create new tax burdens, or embark on expensive new programs. The Legislature’s focus should be on the overspending that occurred before the pandemic. I am interested in forward looki
Dam relicensing remains in limbo
ELLSWORTH As Black Bear Hydro, the energy company in charge of the Ellsworth and Graham Lake dams, awaits the appeals process for its federal licensing renewal, the question arises: what happens if a new license is never issued?
“If the [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] makes a determination to not issue a new license, this would initiate the decommissioning process,” Black Bear Senior Communications Director Andy Davis told The American.
Black Bear Hydro was denied its water quality certification by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) last March. The certification is required as part of the energy company’s years-long effort to renew its federal license to operate the dams.