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: 30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price. Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home. Up to $2,000 for a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) as well as a heat-pump water heater. 30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a rural or underserved community. Starting on January 1, up to $7,500 in savings will be available right at […]

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 […]

March 30, 3023 Lawsuits Filed Against 3M and DuPont for Role in “Forever Chemical” Contamination AUGUSTA- Attorney General Aaron Frey announced today the filing of two lawsuits against manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroakyl substances or “PFAS” and PFAS-containing products. The complaints allege that the manufacturers, DuPont and 3M, among others, have known for decades that PFAS pose serious risks to human health and the environment, but instead promoted their PFAS products as safe and appropriate for widespread use in Maine. The suits allege that the defendant manufacturers knew of the science of PFAS toxicity decades ago but concealed that information from the public and continued to manufacture, sell and profit from their products containing these chemicals.   “The defendant manufacturers have willfully introduced […]