A provision to allow Maine counties to opt-out of the state’s land use regulation body drew fire during a public hearing of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. Republican and Democratic lawmakers joined experts, conservation leaders, and businesses to oppose the opt-out provision, which is part of a larger bill, LD 1798, to reform the state’s Land Use Regulatory Commission (LURC).

“Opposition for the county opt-out is coming from all directions – it’s not a partisan concern,” said Rep. Jeff McCabe, the lead House Democrat on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. “One person after another told us that the county opt-out would add costs for counties, create a patch work of regulations, and threaten our woods.”

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“Our goal is to educate the public about the environmental and economic costs of managing organic waste,” remarked Troy Moon, Environmental Programs and Open Space Manager for the Department of Public Services. “If we can get Portland residents to consider yardscaping practices and use compost as an alternative to chemical fertilizers for their lawns and gardens, we can remove toxins from our storm water and reduce waste management costs at the same time.”

Twenty-five percent of the average household’s waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps, which can easily be composted. Home composting combined with recycling and yard waste programs can reduce household waste by up to eighty percent.

This month, the City of Portland Public Services Department will kick-off its fifth annual composting promotion by

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The Natural Resources Council of Maine released an analysis of documents that reveal how a recent Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report was substantially influenced by representatives of out-of-state companies that opposed enactment of Maine’s product stewardship laws. These same companies are working to defeat similar laws in other states. In Maine they have received easy and preferential access to top DEP officials in the LePage Administration. The NRCM analysis is based on documents acquired under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) law.

The DEP report Implementing Product Stewardship in Maine, released in late December for public comment, addressed five product stewardship programs administered by the state that have reduced mercury and lead pollution to Maine’s environment, diverted millions of pounds of waste from Maine’s landfills and incinerators, and saved money for taxpayers and municipalities. These five product stewardship programs were adopted with overwhelming bi-partisan support.

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Maine Citizens for Clean Energy, a diverse coalition of businesses, workers, environmental and public health groups, announced today that they will continue gathering signatures to send a ballot initiative to voters in 2013. The Coalition made the decision to continue its efforts today when it became clear that it could not meet today’s deadline to file signatures with the Secretary of State for the November 2012 election.

“Going for the 2012 ballot was always a race against the clock. Despite the incredible enthusiasm from the public and from hundreds of campaign volunteers, the clock was just a little too fast for us to hit the deadline for the 2012 ballot,” said David Farmer, spokesperson for Maine Citizens for Clean Energy.

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The Coast Guard is holding information gathering meetings this week to hear from mariners about a tidal energy proposal in Cobscook Bay at Maine’s eastern tip.The Coast Guard’s hearings are planned for Monday in Lubec and Tuesday in Eastport.

Ocean Renewable Power Co. wishes to deploy five turbine generator units for its Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project.

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Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. today about the potential for tidal and wind energy off the Maine Coast. Pingree talked about recent reports detailing the potential for tidal power off the Maine coast.

Last week, Energy Secretary Steven Chu released a report detailing the enormous potential for tidal energy off the U.S. coasts.

“Maine’s wave and tidal current resources offer real opportunities to generate renewable energy using water power technologies in the future,” said Energy Secretary Chu. “Together with new advances and innovations in water power technologies, these resource assessments can help to further develop the country’s significant ocean energy resources, create new industries and new jobs in America, and secure U.S. leadership in an emerging global market.”

“There is enough there to meet up to one-third of the country’s energy needs—and he singled out Maine,” said Pingree on the floor of the House.

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Federal grants totaling $8.73 million have been awarded to the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC) and will be used to conserve two unique forest properties in Franklin County, according to Maine’s congressional delegation. In addition to the federal funds, project partners are securing $1 million in matching funds from other sources, including the Land for Maine’s Future program.

“Maine continues to be a leader in land conservation while maintaining working, sustainable forest landscapes through the Forest Legacy Program” said U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud. “These two projects represent a significant opportunity to protect important ecological resources, preserve critical jobs in Maine’s forest products industry and promote a variety of outdoor recreation activities for Franklin County.”

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First Wind announced it has received unanimous approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for its proposed 150 MW Oakfield Wind project in Aroostook County, Maine. First Wind submitted an amendment in June 2011 to increase the size of the original proposal for a 51 MW Oakfield project, which had received full approval from the Maine DEP in January 2010.

“We are very pleased that the DEP has approved our plans in Oakfield,” said Matt Kearns, Vice President of Business Development at First Wind. “

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Today, Congressman Mike Michaud praised the Federal Transit Administration’s announcement that Acadia National Park will receive $1,324,518 to make safety improvements at six bus stops and maximize ridership and efficiency on the Island Explorer bus system. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), passenger amenities will include new bus boarding areas, passenger waiting areas, accessible shuttle fleet service and detailed signage.

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The National Park Service to help community groups execute four conservation projects in Southern and Midcoast Maine through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.

“So many groups here in Maine are doing great work to help people access the natural spots that make this state so special. These are monumental projects absolutely driven by people’s volunteering and passion,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “I’m excited that the National Park Service will provide assistance to help these groups bring their community vision to reality. These projects will be terrific assets to our state.”

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