Opinion: Trump administration could snuff out offshore wind

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 7, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to stop offshore wind development on day one. That will compound the challenges Maine faces. Two “October surprises” have cast serious doubt on Maine’s ability to reach our 2040 renewable energy goals. First, the federal Dept of Transportation rejected Maine’s application for $456 million to construct a massive Sears Island port facility to build platforms and assemble generators. Second, at the Oct. 29 auction of federal leases for Gulf of Maine wind development, there were no bids for areas off Maine’s coast. Investors are not optimistic about Maine’s prospects for commercially viable offshore wind any time soon. This gloomy assessment stands in contrast to statements from ClimateWork Maine and the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Fulfilling offshore wind’s promise calls for renewed determination, though it may take longer than we’d hoped. ~ David Vail, professor of economics emeritus, Bowdoin College

Central Maine smashes third temperature record in a week

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 6, 2024

Central Maine set yet another heat-related record Wednesday, marking the third time in the past week a daily temperature record has been broken. Wednesday’s unofficial high temperature reached 76 degrees in Augusta and 73 degrees in Waterville, breaking the local record of 72 degrees, set in 2022. The area also broke records on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, easily surpassing high temperature records set in 1956 and 2003, respectively.

3 ways Donald Trump’s return to the White House will affect Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024

Former President Donald Trump is set to return to the White House for another four years, and his second term could feature immediate changes that affect Maine.
• Maine’s offshore wind plans could get thrown into disarray since Trump pledged to halt offshore wind projects “on day one” of a new term.
• Trump’s tariffs could hit Maine’s key industries, including lobsters and blueberries
• Maine’s senior senator, Susan Collins, is in line for a big role as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

Portland, Augusta see record warmth Wednesday

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Maine cities broke multiple temperature records Wednesday. Temperatures in Portland reached 79 degrees. The city’s previous record of 71 degrees for Nov. 6 was set in 2020. In Augusta, temperatures hit 77 degrees, outpacing the record of 72 degrees in 2022. That region also broke records on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, surpassing temperature records set in 1956 and 2003, respectively. On top of daily records, both cities also saw the hottest days ever recorded in November on Wednesday.

What could Donald Trump’s second term as president mean for Maine?

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Based on his campaign rhetoric and his first 4 years in office, a second Trump term is likely to have broad impacts in Maine. He’s unlikely to continue efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, including rebates for electric cars or heat pumps, and instead has said he wants to increase domestic oil production by drilling on public lands and offering tax incentives and reducing regulations on oil, gas and coal producers. Trump also is unlikely to prioritize wind power, something Maine has been aggressive about.

State education officials unveil outdoor learning space in Falmouth

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

State education officials today unveiled an outdoor learning space they say will make environmental education more accessible for schools across Maine. They say the Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island in Falmouth is the latest addition to the Mill's administration's Outdoor Learning Initiative which is billed as a response to pandemic-related learning loss.

Letter: Protect Sears Island for Maine’s future

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong disapproval regarding the proposed construction of a wind turbine manufacturing port on Sears Island in Maine. As a resident of Stockton Springs, I believe that this plan poses significant risks to the unique ecological and cultural values of this protected area. The construction of a manufacturing port would undoubtedly increase traffic, pollution, and noise in an area that has long been valued for its tranquility and natural beauty. This would not only affect wildlife but also diminish the quality of life for residents and visitors who appreciate Sears Island for its recreational opportunities and serene environment. ~ Gentry Davis, Stockton Springs

Maine will bolster trail systems with $30M in borrowing

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024

Mainers voted Tuesday to pass a $30 million bond proposal that will go toward designing, developing and maintaining trail systems. Half of the money borrowed under the measure will go toward recreational trails, while the rest will be divided about evenly between motorized and non-motorized trails.

Maine voters approve $30 million trails bond

MAINE PUBLIC • November 6, 2024

Maine’s trails will get some much-needed attention through a $30 million borrowing package approved by voters. The Maine trails bond on Tuesday’s ballot garnered widespread support from environmental groups, towns, snowmobile and ATV clubs. The bond passed with more than 55% of the vote. Jenny Kordick of Maine Outdoor Brands said the outcome is a sign of how important recreation outside is to people who live in and visit Maine. The state’s outdoor recreation economy is valued at around $3 billion.

$10M historic preservation bond passes in Maine’s Tuesday election

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024

Mainers voted Tuesday to pass $10 million in borrowing aimed at restoring historic buildings owned by local governments and nonprofits. The money borrowed under the will go toward funding the preservation of certain buildings. Any state money approved for a project must be matched at least 25 percent by private or nonprofit funds. Maine voters have approved three historic preservation bonds since 1985. This year’s $10 million proposal is the largest of them.

Sierra Club: We Will Be A Force Of Nature Defending Our Planet From Trump

SIERRA CLUB • November 6, 2024

Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said, “Donald Trump was a disaster for climate progress during his first term, and everything he’s said and done since suggests he’s eager to do even more damage this time. During Trump’s first term, we fought relentlessly to defend against his administration’s attacks on climate progress and clean air and water, and we are ready to fight again. We will challenge Trump’s dangerous proposals in court, keep the pressure on banks and big corporations to clean up their act, and mobilize our 64 chapters and millions of members and volunteers nationwide to continue to make progress at the state and local levels.”

The Nature Conservancy: We will work with Trump

TNC • November 6, 2024

On November 6th, the Associated Press declared that Donald Trump is the president-elect for the United States. In response, Jennifer Morris, TNC chief executive officer, released a statement: “We will work with the Trump administration on a range of issues: ensuring clean air and water; transitioning to clean energy; enhancing carbon storage in natural and working lands; reducing catastrophic wildfire risks; creating reefs and other natural infrastructure; and restoring wildlife habitat.”

Trump has sweeping plans for second administration

ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 6, 2024

Donald Trump has promised sweeping action in a second administration. Trump, who claims falsely that climate change is a “hoax,” blasts Biden-era spending on cleaner energy designed to reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels. He proposes an energy policy – and transportation infrastructure spending – anchored to fossil fuels: roads, bridges and combustion-engine vehicles. “Drill, baby, drill!” was a regular chant at Trump rallies. Trump says he does not oppose electric vehicles but promises to end all Biden incentives to encourage EV market development. Trump also pledges to roll back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards.

Editorial: Your National Monuments Are Not Secure from the Next Trump Administration

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • November 6, 2024

The Antiquities Act has been used by 18 presidents across party lines to protect 164 important spots around the U.S. In Maine, in 1916 President Wilson established Sieur de Monts National Monument, which became Acadia National Park. A century later, President Obama established Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Now, activists are urging the Biden-Harris Administration to proclaim the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle a national monument. However, Project 2025 calls for rolling back or removing protections for national monuments by a Trump Administration, and repealing the Antiquities Act so future presidents cannot protect cultural treasures. RESTORE and other conservation advocates are preparing to oppose rollbacks of our public lands protections. You can help by supporting those groups and by urging your representatives in Congress to create new national parks and to uphold federal protections for your national monuments, national parks, and other public conservation lands.

Scarborough approves $6 million land bond

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Scarborough voters passed by a vote of 8,902 to 5,321 a $6 million bond to replenish the town’s land acquisition fund, which is used to contribute to purchasing land for conservation, preserving wildlife habitats or recreation. It is the fifth time residents have voted on the land fund, created via a $1.5 million referendum in 2000 with nearly 75% of voters approving the bond then. It was replenished in 2003 with $2.5 million with 71.1% of voters in favor; in 2009 with $1 million and 67.6% of voters in favor; and in 2019 with $2.5 million and 57.9% of voters in favor.

Bar Harbor residents reject effort to replace cruise ship cap

MAINE PUBLIC • November 6, 2024

Bar Harbor's contentious cruise ship visitor cap will stay in place after residents voted down a referendum to repeal it. The effort failed by just 63 votes — 1,776 residents voted against the measure and 1,713 voted in favor. The question asked voters to repeal a 1,000-person cap instituted in 2022 after a citizens petition. It would have replaced that policy with a new proposal from the town council, which would have allowed up to 3,200 visitors per day, and was supported by some local businesses that oppose the harsher cap.

A Path Forward for Science and Democracy

UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS • November 6, 2024

The last Trump presidency saw 207 attacks on science, including censorship, falsified records, political interference, and intimidation of scientists. The president elect has promised an all-out war on science, promising to fire government scientists and dismantle science agencies. Additionally, President-elect Trump is a mis- and dis-information superspreader. UCS is immediately mobilizing the 17,000 scientists in our network and our partners to fight attacks on federal science and scientists.

Opinion: Royal River dam removal is long overdue

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

Maine has more than 1,000 dams across its rivers and streams and most of them no longer serve their intended purpose. Instead, these decaying structures continue to damage habitats and ecosystems associated with the rivers they obstruct. Yarmouth’s two dams on the Royal River, built more than 160 years ago, are an unfortunate example of how these relics impede the restoration of precious riverine habitat. After 20 years of studies, we urge the town of Yarmouth to take action and seize this opportunity to remove the dams. Dam removal is the most cost-effective approach to river restoration and will have a lasting positive impact on the river, wildlife and the community. ~ Christine Force, Yarmouth, Royal River Alliance

Letter: Tough questions for South Portland planners

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024

I am writing as a concerned resident of South Portland regarding the comprehensive plan discussions, particularly related to hazardous waste, noise pollution and flooding risks. The claim that “anything can be remediated” regarding hazardous materials like benzene, arsenic and lead is misleading. Any proposed residential development on the Bug Light peninsula would conflict with current FAA noise abatement procedures. Finally, many studies suggest that current models underestimate flooding risks due to climate change. ~ Steven Shane, South Portland