Governor Mills Unveils Plan to Protect Public Health and Support Maine’s Economy
On Friday, Governor Janet Mills unveiled a plan to protect public health and support Maine’s economy as the state approaches its busy spring and summer tourism season. The plan, Moving Maine Forward maintains health and safety protocols that have protected Maine...
The Appropriation and Financial Affairs Committee Approves Supplemental Budget
The Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee endorsed a supplemental budget on an 8-5 party-line vote Thursday night that would give Maine businesses and unemployed Maine residents a break from paying taxes on relief funds they received during the...
Summit Natural Gas withdraws Mid Coast pipeline plan
Summit Natural Gas of Maine is withdrawing plans for a $90 million expansion of service into Maine’s Midcoast region, after facing opposition from environmental activists and a lack of community consensus. The company had announced the expansion project less than a...
The Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee Vote to Keep Maine’s Ban on Plastic Bags
There were three bills so far this legislative session to repeal a 2019 state law banning single-use plastic shopping bags. The Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard the bills during a public hearing last week and the Committee held their work session on...
Maine Legislature considers ban on aerial herbicide spraying in forestry
Maine legislators are considering a proposal to ban aerial spraying of some herbicides in forestry. Democratic Senate President Troy Jackson, of Allagash, has put in legislation, which was subject to a public hearing on Tuesday. Jackson said “aerial herbicides in the...
Increasing Taxes on High Income Earners and Corporations
A coalition of low-income advocates and service providers are calling for an increase in taxes on Maine high income earners and large corporations to fund investments in the social services. The coalition is pushing for a number of tax changes that include rolling...
MEMA Draws 50 recipients at random from a pool of people nominated by WGME Listeners to Receive 100 Gallons of Heating Fuel
On Monday, MEMA drew 50 recipients at random from a pool of people nominated by WGME listeners to receive 100 gallons of heating fuel at no cost as an extension of this year’s Fuel Your Love campaign. Take a look to see the MEMA staff hard at work for Monday’s drawing...
Maine Senate confirms nomination of DEP commissioner
The Maine Senate on Thursday unanimously confirmed the nomination of acting Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim, who is taking the job on a permanent basis. The confirmation was one of more than 50 nominations considered, for posts ranging from the...
Maine joins national offshore wind research consortium
Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) announced that Maine has joined the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (NOWRDC), a non-profit public-private alliance that is dedicated to responsible, cost-effective offshore wind energy and technology research...
Maine Public Utilities Commission says grid faces ‘very difficult transition’
Maine’s top utility regulators are launching a new effort to prepare Maine’s electricity supply and distribution systems for a major transformation. It’s all about accommodating the fast-arriving age of renewable energy, which is already causing some serious growing...
Citizens’ initiative regarding energy corridor found valid with 80,506 signatures
On January 21, 2021, 25,058 petitions were submitted on behalf of the citizens’ initiative effort, “An Act To Require Legislative Approval of Certain Transmission Lines and Facilities and Other Projects on Public Reserved Lands and Prohibit the Construction of Certain...
Governor Mills Virtual Budget Address
Governor Janet Mills delivered her State of the Budget Address on Tuesday evening. Governor Janet Mills announced that her Administration is focused on health care, education, and the Maine economy, saying that her budget proposals maintain stability in these areas...