The Portland Press Herald spoke to two dozen experts this summer about the ways increasing heat is affecting Maine’s natural world.
environment
Federal cuts threaten Maine environment, leaders say
Concerns were outlined by the Maine Climate Council and in a new report from the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
4 Kennebec River dams to be sold to Nature Conservancy
Brookfield Renewable Energy and The Nature Conservancy agreed to a deal that’s expected to eventually remove the dams.
UNE maps loss of Maine beach dunes from 2024 winter storms
More than a quarter of coastal dunes at 4 southern Maine beaches were lost during the historic January 2024 storms and researchers say the dunes have yet to fully recover.
Maine public water supply complies with law, but is it safe?
A national advocacy group says federal limits for three carcinogens found in tap water from public systems in Maine and across the U.S. are too low. Water districts say it’s not fair to expect ratepayers to fund improvements to meet its lower recommended levels.
How does Maine’s forest carbon credit market work?
As carbon credits gain traction, efforts are underway to help small-scale forest landowners participate.
EPA and Brunswick Executive Airport clinch chemical spill deal
The deal gives the airport board 2 years to clean or replace fire suppression systems, but does not hold the board responsible for off-campus pollution or levy a fine for the largest firefighting foam spill in Maine history.
Maine scientist skis Greenland to document climate change
A Freeport climate scientist is enduring minus 40-degree temperatures while skiing across Greenland to document the fastest warming section of the Arctic and install sensors that can help predict the rate of sea level rise and ocean warming around the world.
Maine’s biggest composting plant to close
State regulators say the Hawk Ridge facility in Unity is a source of PFAS contamination in nearby streams, rivers and fish. The owner says the state’s regulatory environment has made its operation unsustainable.
Passamaquoddy Tribe wants to install hundreds of rooftop solar panels. Maine utility says it’s not allowed.
Regulators’ decision could also affect people in retirement communities and mobile home cooperatives who band together to fund solar projects.