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.
environment
Posted inLocal & State
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.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills proposes $2M for preventative spruce budworm spraying
The early intervention program, modeled after one in New Brunswick, would fund the spring spraying of pesticides on 300,000 acres of commercial spruce-fir forests in northern Maine where state inspectors have found evidence of overwintering budworm larvae.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
A PFAS-free fire suppressant made with Maine wood could fight wildfires
The chemical-free extinguisher could move to the market — and onto firefighting airplanes — quickly. But getting it certified will take time and money.
Posted inLocal & State
New leader of Wabanaki Alliance outlines priorities
In an interview with The Times Record, Maulian Bryant outlines plans for the Wabanaki Alliance — “the time for reclamation is now,” and “as the tribal communities rise, we all rise.”
Posted inLocal & State
PFAS contamination found on more than 100 Maine farms
The state’s ambitious multiyear investigation into PFAS contamination from sludge-based fertilizer is not yet halfway done, but costs are mounting as new federal protections arise from mounting scientific evidence of potential human health risks.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Forever chemicals in sludge fertilizer pose cancer risk, EPA says
Draft findings published Tuesday echo what Maine has been saying since 2022, when it became the first state to ban the use of sludge as fertilizer because of high concentrations of harmful PFAS.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, News
Augusta considers allowing native-only plantings on city property
The Augusta Conservation Commission is proposing to ban non-native plants from being planted on city property, an effort to benefit wildlife.
Posted inLocal & State, News
PFAS in Maine can travel from stream to ski trail through snowmaking
Harmful and persistent forever chemicals that accumulate in some water bodies can be sprayed onto slopes by machine, but the extent of the risk is unknown.