NRCM Insider

See the Kibby Wind Power Project!

On October 16, 2009, staff from NRCM’s Clean Energy Project attended the grand opening celebration for the Kibby wind power project. Half of this 132 MW project became operational on the 16th, while  construction on the remaining 22 turbines will continue into next spring. Once the entire project is operating, it will be the largest wind power project in New England, producing more than 357 million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy per year – enough to power the equivalent of about 50,000 Maine homes. Watch this short video for some shots of the operating turbines!

Meet NRCM's 2009 People's Choice Award Winner Evelyn Dunphy

Each year, supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine nominate people in their community who are making a difference for Maine's environment. They then vote for the person they believe is most deserving. NRCM honors the winner at a special event. This year's winner was Evelyn Dunphy, "artistic ambassador" for Maine's environment. Congratulations, and thank you, Evelyn!

Meet NRCM's 2009 Environmental Award Winners

Each year, the Natural Resources Council of Maine honors an individual or group who has demonstrated a dedication to and passion for Maine’s environment and whose actions have made a real difference at the local, regional, or state level. This year, NRCM honored Russell Pierce, Esq. of the law firm of Norman, Hanson and DeTroy, for his work protecting the Moosehead Lake region, and Scott Hall, Richard Fennelly, and PPL Maine for their innovative efforts in restoring the Penobscot River. Congratulations, and thanks, to our winners!

Four Days on the Penobscot's West Branch with NRCM

 

 

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, NRCM and a small group of our members spent four days in September enjoying a special autumn adventure along the Penobscot’s West Branch. Led by registered Maine guides Alexandra and Garrett Conover, owners of North Woods Ways, and NRCM’s North Woods Project Leader Cathy Johnson, participants gave video testimonials about what they love about the region and why it should be protected. Find out more information about NRCM's work to protect Maine's North Woods. 

PLEASE NOTE: You will need to turn up the volume on your computer's speakers in order to hear some of the testimonials.

 

 

Top Ten Reasons to Attend NRCM Event with Dan Reicher of Google

You’re invited to a very exciting event! Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives at Google, will be the keynote speaker at NRCM’s annual meeting, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in at Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland. Internet powerhouse Google is investing tens of millions of dollars in clean energy technology. According to Google, embracing new technologies and know-how will create new industries and millions of jobs, cut energy costs, improve national security, and reduce the threat of climate change. Mr. Reicher will describe how and why Google is making its bets on the clean energy ideas and technologies of tomorrow. He is one of the nation’s leading clean energy experts, with broad career experience in the public and private sectors, including serving as Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy where he managed more than $1 billion in renewable energy and energy efficiency investments. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7:30 p.m. and will include announcement of our 2009 Environmental Award winners and the People’s Choice Award. Watch this short video for more “Top Ten” reasons why you should attend!

Mainers Call for Climate Action

At a recent rally in Bangor, Mainers gathered to express their support for comprehensive clean energy and climate action this year by Congress. A similar rally was held in Portland on the same day. Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will be crucial to passing a strong climate and clean energy bill this year. They need to hear your support of climate action today. Please tell them how you feel by calling their offices or submitting a letter to the editor of your local paper. Watch the video to see an example of what Maine people are saying about clean energy reform and the need for action this year.

 

Insider Tour of Maine Green Job Training Facility

 

 

On September 2, 2009, Congressman Mike Michaud, Diane Jackson from Sen. Olympia Snowe’s office, Caroline Tremblay from Senator Susan Collins’ office, state legislators, and local officials toured IBEW Local 567’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) facility in Lewiston, Maine, with apprentices, businesspeople, educators, and other members of the public, including NRCM staff.  The JATC is a training or “sector” partnership of area electrical contractors and the IBEW, and one of the premier electrical education centers in Maine. The JATC is dedicated to providing workers the skills they need to compete in the clean energy economy, including such renewable energy technologies as solar, wind, and electrical efficiency retrofits in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The tour was followed by a Q&A to discuss two pieces of federal legislation designed to invest in Mainers’ ability to gain new skills for the clean energy jobs of the 21st Century.

 

NOTE: You may find it necessary to turn up the volume in your speakers during the round table portions of this video. 

 

Join Maine Climate Rallies -- Sept 3rd in Portland and Bangor

Maine Senators Snowe and Collins will head back to Washington, D.C. next week. Please join us at rallies in Portland at noon in Monument Square and in Bangor at 5pm at Cascade Park. The events will include speakers who share our strong support for climate and clean energy legislation this year. Maine's Senators need to hear your voice in support of climate action now. For more information, contact Emmie at 207-430-0105.

Joe Romm Describes Potential for Climate Disaster

The U.S. must get its act together and pass federal climate legislation if we hope to avert a climate disaster. This was the message from climate scientist and clean energy expert Dr. Joe Romm at an August 18th NRCM event at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Romm edits the nation's most read climate blog (climateprogress.org) and served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. The fossil fuel industry has launched a massive disinformation campaign and is bankrolling fraudulent lobbying tactics to block passage of climate and clean energy legislation, according to Romm. "We are fossil fuel addicts and the industry won't give up on this revenue easily," said Romm. He explained that the climate bill passed in the House of Representatives this summer will create a huge number of clean energy jobs, especially through massive funding of energy efficiency programs through revenues from a cap and trade program. Establishing a cap on carbon emissions and investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy will be absolutely critcal for reducing carbon emissions. "Anyone who is paying attention to what we are doing to the climate knows that we better do something." Romm encouraged Maine people to contact Senator Snowe (207-874-8883) and Senator Collins (207-780-3575) to urge their support and leadership in passing strong climate and clean energy legislation this year.

Take Me to the River: NRCM Paddles the Kennebec

Natural Resources Council of Maine supporters and staff paddled the Kennebec River from Sidney, Maine, to Augusta on August 15, 2009. This event was one of 50 in celebration of NRCM's 50th anniversary this year. It also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the removal of the Edwards Dam in Augusta. Thanks to all who joined us for this fun and special occasion!