April 10, 2024 The Mills Administration released the following statements today in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalized national drinking water standard for PFAS. “PFAS contamination threatens the health of our people, our wildlife, and our environment. My Administration, working closely with the Legislature, has spearheaded one of the strongest efforts in the nation to address PFAS, including proactively establishing an aggressive, temporary drinking water standard,” said Governor Mills. “My Administration appreciates this new, national drinking water standard, which builds on our nation-leading work, as part of the critical effort to protect the health of Maine people. The Maine CDC will closely review the new standard and take steps to align Maine’s temporary standard with the new Federal one.” In […]

April 15, 2024 Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will allow LD 1578, An Act to Adopt an Interstate Compact to Elect the President of the United States by National Popular Vote, to become law without her signature. Under the legislation, Maine joins the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would only take effect if the coalition secures pledges for at least 270 electoral votes – the threshold needed to elect a president. Sixteen states and Washington, D.C. have joined the compact for a total of 205 electoral votes thus far. With Maine, the total of electoral votes increases to 209 – 61 short of the compact taking effect. Governor Mills issued the following statement: “I have spent the past […]

12/19/2023  AUGUSTA – In coordination with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and other public safety officials, the Maine Department of Transportation is working to assess and repair damage caused by yesterday’s rain and wind. As of early this afternoon, there are nearly 100 state road closures in Maine due to downed trees and power lines, flooding, and significant infrastructure damage. Although all Maine counties have been impacted by this storm, Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, and Kennebec Counties are currently experiencing more than half of the road closures. In particular, roads and bridges near the Sandy, Swift, Carrabassett, Kennebec, and Androscoggin Rivers (and their tributaries) are seeing high water levels resulting in damage and closures. MaineDOT has closed almost three dozen bridges statewide […]

December 2, 2023 The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Democrats in Congress and President Biden passed last year has made cost-saving benefits available right now, including: Starting on January 1, up to $7,500 in savings will be available right at point of sale when you buy a new electric vehicle and up to $4,000 for a used one. You’ll be able to get these credits at your car dealership, which means the discount will come right off the sticker price when you buy your EV. You can visit this site to see a full list of benefits and find out which are currently available to best help you and your household.

April 4, 2023 The Rockport Conservation Commission’s climate talks at the Rockport Library continue on Wednesday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to a presentation by Lily McVetty, who will discuss Efficiency Maine’s residential offerings. The program will describe how homeowners can receive thousands of dollars in rebates for energy efficient upgrades.  McVetty, Program Manager for Efficiency Maine, will provide an introduction to available rebates, financing options, technical resources, and Efficiency Maine’s installer locator. She will touch on topics like heat pumps, insulation, heat pump water heaters, and more. There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions at the end of the program. This climate talk series is part of the Climate Action Grant awarded […]

April 2, 2023 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills announced that she tested positive for COVID-19 today. The Governor received a positive result after experiencing a scratchy throat this morning. She will isolate for a minimum of five days, consistent with Maine and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. “Other than a scratchy throat, I feel fine,” said Governor Mills. “I will work remotely over the next few days and I look forward to getting back to the office later this week.” Governor Mills is fully vaccinated and boosted, for which she attributes her mild symptoms and good prognosis. Gov. Mills previously tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2022. She isolated and recovered within a matter of days.  Given the circumstances, the Governor will […]

March 31, 2023 Augusta, ME – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced today that it is introducing an agritourism training and coaching program. “Agritourism is a long-standing tradition in Maine. Farms that want to include this as part of their business plan do so because it can offer marketing opportunities. As more research and data become available about how farms can integrate agritourism into their businesses, we want to be supportive and forward-thinking,” said Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine. “We want to enhance how communities support Maine farms and raise awareness about agriculture. Agritourism is a way to help people connect with farms. Farmers want to share stories, sustain businesses, and steward working landscapes. […]

March 28, 2023 Augusta, ME – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that it will utilize an $800,000 Federal grant to expand the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. The program provides low-income older adults the opportunity to receive up to a $50 share of fresh, local produce at no cost directly from Maine farmers. Augusta, ME – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that it will utilize an $800,000 Federal grant to expand the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. The program provides low-income older adults the opportunity to receive up to a $50 share of fresh, local produce at no cost directly from Maine farmers. DACF estimates that the additional funding will […]