Maine

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Maine plan for wood-fired power plants draws praise and skepticism

Critics characterize the program, which would capture waste heat for industrial use, as a handout to the timber industry and question whether it will result in meaningful emissions reductions.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 June 2022
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Maine network mentors activists working on clean energy transition

A Mount Desert Island climate group launches an effort to foster knowledge-sharing among local activists statewide.

By Marina Schauffler . 15 April 2022
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Combustion of plastics could be creating a surge in waste-to-energy plants’ climate emissions

Incineration of plastics containing “forever chemicals” could be generating potent greenhouse gas emissions, but testing methods are not yet in place.

By Marina Schauffler . 25 February 2022
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Maine nursing homes offered funding to help filter viruses, reduce energy use

The state’s energy efficiency program administrator is offering larger incentives for nursing homes and assisted living facilities as they consider upgrading their HVAC and air filtration systems amid the latest pandemic surge.

By David Thill . 4 January 2022
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Amid a flood of solar applications, Maine seeks a more targeted approach

A stakeholder group tasked with helping lawmakers incentivize distributed generation and plan grid upgrades is expected to issue its first of two reports by Jan. 1.

By David Thill . 2 December 2021
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Maine program puts home energy tools back in the hands of library patrons

Efficiency Maine recently relaunched a program that lets library patrons check out monitors to identify energy hogs in their homes.

By David Thill . 6 October 2021
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What climate action looks like in a small, island tourist town in Maine

An tourism-based economy and relatively isolated location pose unique opportunities and challenges for Bar Harbor, Maine.

By David Thill . 30 August 2021
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Maine joins debate over how to define environmental justice

A new law directs the state to develop a specific legal definition for terms including “environmental justice” and “frontline communities,” as well as methods to incorporate equity into decision-making at state agencies.

By David Thill . 13 July 2021
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Maine utility regulators can’t consider climate in their decisions. A bill headed to the governor can change that

A bill approved this week by Maine lawmakers would expand the Public Utilities Commission’s scope beyond reliability and rate impacts and allow it to consider the state’s climate goals in decision-making. Equity might be next.

By David Thill . 16 June 2021
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Advocates say Maine needs to expand time-of-use rates to hit climate goals

As more drivers switch to electric cars and buildings convert to heat pumps, changing customer behavior with new rate designs could be key to preventing expensive and polluting new investments in the state’s power grid.

By David Thill . 27 May 2021