$16,650: Cost of the Washuk-Zaccaro’s solar panels after the federal tax credit ($22,000 without the credit). $12: Projected monthly electricity bill, down from a monthly average of $100. (The $12 is actually not for electricity, but the charge for being able to connect to the “grid” and its benefits.) 16 years: Projected payback time. 30 […]
environment
Posted inbPlus
Solar potential: The sun shines on Maine
PORTLAND — With our cold climate, some might assume Maine isn’t a great place for solar electricity production. But Maine has “tremendous” potential for solar power, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. A solar panel in southern Maine produces the same amount of electricity as one in Houston, and slightly less than ones […]
advertisement
Posted inbPlus
Put the sun to work for you
Even if you don’t have solar panels, one way to make the sun work for you if you have a yard or porch is to hang your laundry on a clothesline. It saves a little money on your electric or gas bill and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Beyond that, hanging clothes leaves them smelling […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine
State, lobstermen scramble to respond to judge’s right-whale ruling
The state’s marine resources chief says ‘this could not have come at a worse time,’ but notes that the court has yet to hear the fishery’s legal arguments.
Posted inSports
In Maine’s 200 years, man’s impact has altered the animal landscape
Since Maine became a state in 1820, some animals have disappeared, others arrived, and still others thrived – mostly due to human interference.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Maine lobstermen to federal regulators: We’re not killing right whales
The Maine Lobstering Union accuses the agency of caving to environmental organizations when it should be defending the industry.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill to give Maine DEP more authority over ‘forever chemicals’ advances in committee
The bill is one of multiple measures that lawmakers will consider this year in response to growing concerns about PFAS contamination in Maine.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Maine’s plan to protect whales falls short, regulators say, raising prospect of federal rules
The National Marine Fisheries Service says the state’s proposal to keep endangered right whales from getting entangled in lobstering gear doesn’t go far enough.
Posted inBusiness, Lewiston-Auburn, Maine
Environmental regulators say Lewiston scrap metal firm violated clean water laws
Grimmel Industries and two related companies in Oakland and Topsham must pay a $250,000 fine to the EPA and end pollution practices.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine must plug in to fight climate change, study concludes
Just building renewable generation and stepping up energy efficiency won’t slash greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet Maine’s aggressive climate change goals.