Rep. Ralph Tucker, a Brunswick Democrat, called it “a great idea” to put off consideration of the proposal in part because he would like to see upstream towns and industries included in the discussion about what ought to be done.
environment
Upgrading the Androscoggin River under a new bill sparks debate, pushback from businesses
The bill would upgrade some sections of the Androscoggin River to a Class B, adding additional water protections for what was once one of the most polluted rivers in America. Environmentalists and recreationalists support the idea. Businesses that use it as a way to get rid of waste do not.
Maine awarded $7 million to restore stream crossings on private roads
A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help restore some of Maine’s highest-value aquatic networks from fragmentation and degradation.
Committee recommends stricter water standards for ‘forever chemicals’
The proposal would set an interim standard of 20 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water, in line with several other New England states and lower than the current federal health advisory level.
EPA to give California the right to set climate limits on cars, SUVs
The move comes days after the Transportation Department withdrew Trump-era restrictions on state tailpipe emission rules and could help pave the way for a broader climate deal with automakers.
Maine completes first phase of electric vehicle fast-charger network
The installation of new ‘level 3’ charging stations comes at a time when both government and automakers are promoting a transition to electric cars and trucks.
On Earth Day, Gov. Mills announces $500,000 grant program for clean-energy startups
Gov. Janet Mills unveiled the competitive grant program on the same day that the Biden administration announced major climate-related goals for the U.S.
Hannaford says it no longer sends any waste food to landfills
The supermarket chain said it has eliminated food waste at all 183 of its stores, which added up to 65 million pounds diverted from landfills last year.
Winners of $20 million contest make concrete to trap carbon dioxide
Elon Musk has also pledged $100 million for researchers who can show how to take huge volumes of carbon dioxide straight from the atmosphere and store it permanently.
Committee votes to give DEP more power to clean up ‘forever chemicals’
Maine’s 2 U.S. senators, meanwhile, are asking the Biden administration to allow states to use federal stimulus money to address PFAS contamination.