Concepts ranging from floating communities to elevated over-water bike paths populate the final exhibition of a multi-university design studio intended to help Portland and South Portland prepare for rising sea levels, warming temperatures and increasing extreme weather.
environment
Central Maine farmers left in limbo by federal funding freeze
Despite having signed government contracts, farmers who have spent money on projects to conserve soil, water and power have been told they cannot get reimbursed until USDA programs and policies are reviewed by the Department of Government Efficiency.
New administration sparks uncertainty for Brunswick PFAS spill cleanup
Local officials are waiting for what comes next at the federal level while they continue to grapple with a toxic chemical spill.
South Portland halts disputed Portland Jetport tree removal
Officials at Maine’s largest airport must show the runway approach project hasn’t violated local, state and federal land use laws.
Maine DEP: $50M sludge bond would preserve landfill space
The proposal to bond funding for grants to help local sewer districts tackle the statewide sludge-disposal problem needs approval by a legislative committee and two-thirds of the House and Senate before it could be sent to voters in November.
Nordic Aquafarms to pay Midcoast environmental group $125K
Upstream Watch had opposed the Norwegian company’s recently abandoned plan to build a $500 million inland salmon farm in Belfast.
Portland Jetport parking expansion OK’d despite environmental concerns
Chairman Brandon Mazer expressed disappointment as the board approved the controversial $8 million project, which would add 265 spaces.
Maine airports seek exemption from wildlife protection laws
Aviation officials and businesses say a bill to exempt airports from state protections for Maine’s endangered or threatened species would prevent wildlife collisions, but environmental groups say the protections are needed.
Here’s what the latest global climate assessment means for Maine
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released a new global assessment outlining a path toward a sustainable future. Dr. Kanae Tokunaga of the Gulf of Maine Institute was one of two experts from the U.S. chosen to contribute. Here’s her take on what ‘transformative change’ could mean for working waterfronts.
With funds running out, Maine is at a PFAS crossroads
A multiagency presentation before lawmakers warns of the difficulty the state will face trying to meet the needs of residents adversely affected by the spreading of sewage sludge containing forever chemicals.