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: 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 […]