Maine News Update

Maine voted in favor of Question 1 on Election Day to ban Central Maine Power's electricity corridor.

https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-question-1-cmp-corridor-ban-approved/38145004 #

What's next after Maine voters approve question 1 to ban CMP corridor Maine voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of Question 1 on Election Day to ban Central Maine Power's electricity corridor.

On Tuesday, November 2, Maine voters will head to the polls.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/politics/groups-for-against-question-1-rally-on-final-day-ahead-of-election-day/97-4e3ab159-ac24-4626-8f4a-586ef587b289

Groups for, against Question 1 rally on ahead of Election Day The No on 1 campaign, which supports the CMP corridor/NECEC, held a final campaign event in Augusta with folks who are currently building the corridor.

The fate of New England’s largest low-carbon energy proposal, a $1 billion transmission line, is on the ballot.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/how-todays-elections-may-remake-renewables-clean-energy/

How today's elections may remake renewables, clean energy Voters go to the polls today in three states that could play major roles in determining the future of U.S. clean energy, renewable power and electric vehicles.

"The language in the legislation that would be enacted if Question 1 passes would ban high-impact transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec region, which could hamper future efforts to bring hydro-electricity to Maine."

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/29/opinion/editorials/a-recap-of-the-bdn-editorial-boards-take-on-novembers-referendums/

Editorial: A recap of the BDN editorial board’s take on November’s referendums We fear that Question 1's passage would send a worrying message to those who may want to develop major projects in Maine that the regulatory environment is too uncertain.

"The governor’s position on the corridor is not new. It was her support of the project after inking a benefits package with Central Maine Power Co. and its affiliates that set it up for its success in the regulatory realm. She has centered her case for the project on the regional emissions reductions that will come by replacing fossil fuels with hydropower."

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/29/politics/daily-brief/janet-mills-defends-the-cmp-corridor-and-shows-why-its-in-trouble/

Janet Mills defends the CMP corridor and shows why it’s in trouble The governor endorsed the corridor but criticized its main builder, indicating the main problem for fellow opponents of Question 1.

""I support this project because I have 6 grandkids, and I want to try to do everything in my power to leave a better world for them and their kids." -Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer

https://www.wmtw.com/article/lewiston-auburn-mayors-announce-support-for-cmp-corridor/38095936

Lewiston, Auburn mayors announce support for CMP corridor The mayors of Lewiston and Auburn on Thursday announced their support for the CMP corridor and urged Mainers to vote “no” on Question 1.

"The transmission line will bring clean energy to New England and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 700k cars off the road. I hope Mainers vote NO on ONE to keep this project moving and reliable, affordable, flowing!" -Secretary Granholm

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/28/politics/joe-bidens-energy-secretary-wants-mainers-to-back-the-cmp-corridor/

Joe Biden’s energy secretary wants Mainers to back the CMP corridor U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on Thursday encouraged Mainers to vote no in next week’s referendum aiming to block the Central Maine Power corridor.

"When companies consider investing in Maine, they need to know that they will be treated fairly. This referendum, if passed, will destroy that essential confidence, and tell businesses that Maine is not a place that can be trusted." - Jim Cyr

https://mainenewsupdates.com/changing-rules-after-game-played-is-wrong-dangerous/

Changing rules after game played is wrong, dangerous - Maine News Update When companies consider investing in Maine, they need to know that they will be treated fairly.

"I support the New England Clean Energy Connect, and I urge you to vote No on Question 1, because it is about climate change." -Gov Mills

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/governor-mills-why-i-voted-no-question-one-2021-10-28

Governor Mills: Why I voted No on Question One. | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills People have asked me how I’m voting on Question One, the NECEC Corridor. Well, I voted just the other day at my town office. And I voted No. This is Governor Janet Mills. Let me tell you why. Last night, thousands of Maine people turned up their thermostats to keep warm as the weather gets colder....

Why Governor Mills Is voting no.

Governor Mills: Why I voted No on Question One - Maine News Update "Our state is the most heating oil dependent state in the country ... I urge you to vote No on Question 1, because it is about climate change."

Retroactively canceling the NECEC is a dangerous game – for the rule of law and the wallets of all Mainers.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/necec-will-help-maine/

The NECEC will help Maine. Don’t let Big Oil take that away! The only thing Big Oil with an agenda enjoys more than money is turning back the clock to reverse progress to make more money. This is why retroactively canceling the NECEC is a dangerous game – for the rule of law and the wallets of all Mainers.

NextEra is the world’s largest utility company. They are based in Florida and hold a huge portfolio of energy investments in Maine, including power plants.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/manipulate-maine/

Don’t let a Florida energy company manipulate Maine NextEra is the world’s largest utility company. They are based in Florida and hold a huge portfolio of energy investments in Maine, including power plants

This November, we have the chance to embrace clean energy with the New England Clean Energy Connect line.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/maines-clean-energy-future/

Maine’s clean energy future Last year the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maine a C- grade on its infrastructure report card. Our energy production and storage systems are aging and outdated, and many can no longer efficiently handle the electricity the state network demands.

“Veritable gardens of the sea.”

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/rockweed-protects-maines-vibrant-coastline-heres-why-scientists-are-studying-it

Here’s why scientists are studying Maine’s coastline Acadia National Park’s vibrant intertidal zone inspired a pioneering, 19th-century female naturalist’s research. Its organisms may be under threat.

The state estimates that 535,000 people who worked during the early days of the pandemic will receive a check for about $275.

https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-worker-pandemic-payment-checks/38079325

Many Mainers to get $275 checks from state beginning next month Hundreds of thousands of Mainers will begin receiving disaster relief payments from the state beginning in November.

An ongoing, high-stakes dispute between the owner of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant in New Hampshire and the New England Clean Energy Connect’s parent company threatens to delay the $1 billion transmission line past a planned 2023 in-service date and hamstring similar clean-energy projects nationally.

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/10/25/massachusetts-says-utilities-dispute-over-necec-grid-hookup-threatens-climate-change-fight/

Seabrook plant dispute over NECEC power line could hinder clean-energy effort, Massachusetts says The federal-level fight represents yet another obstacle for the western Maine transmission line roughly a week before Maine voters will weigh in on a ballot question aimed at killing the project.

Much of the 53-mile corridor is within a much larger present-day working forest that has reforested and continues to reforest itself.

https://www.centralmaine.com/2021/10/26/question-1-not-about-a-pristine-forest/

Question 1 not about a ‘pristine’ forest Letter

“Beneficial electrification” can occur only if renewable electricity can use the grid to reach consumers.

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/10/27/commentary-question-1-is-a-civil-war-between-fossil-fuels-and-renewable-power/

Commentary: Question 1 is a ‘civil war’ between fossil fuels and renewable power The Maine woods are the site of this battle, but the fight against climate change is what's really at stake.

Maine Question 1 debate begins as both sides meet to make their case on the November referendum question

https://www.wmtw.com/article/wmtw-news-8-to-hold-question-1-debate-wednesday-at-7-pm/38052558 #

WMTW News 8 to hold Question 1 debate Wednesday at 7 p.m. Channel 8 WMTW continues its commitment to political coverage with the hotly contested power issue that Mainers are talking about - Maine Question 1.

"NextEra has taken every opportunity, both in the open and behind the scenes, to oppose, delay, and derail the NECEC Project, all to benefit its existing fossil and nuclear generation located in Maine and New Hampshire and its renewable projects in Maine."

https://mainenewsupdates.com/seabrook-upgrades-basic-safety/

Seabrook refuse upgrades: NextEra chooses bottom line over basic safety Maine does not have any nuclear power plants, but New Hampshire’s Seabrook is within an area known as the Ingestion Exposure Pathway Zone (IPZ). The Seabrook IPZ encompasses much of York County, Maine.

Maine fishing regulators are collecting applications for the state lottery that gives out scallop harvesting licenses.

https://www.wabi.tv/2021/10/26/maine-using-lottery-give-out-new-scallop-licenses/

Maine using lottery to give out new scallop licenses Sea scallops are one of the most valuable marine resources in the state.

Mainers can vote on three statewide referendums and a range of local races in next week’s election.

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/26/politics/a-guide-to-maines-nov-2-election-from-the-cmp-corridor-to-local-races-joam40zk0w/

Your guide to Maine's Nov. 2 election from the CMP corridor to local races Whether you plan to vote absentee, early or on Election Day next week, here is what you need to know about what is on the ballot and how to vote.

On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills announced new initiatives by her administration aimed at encouraging people to pursue health care jobs in Maine and strengthening the state’s health care workforce.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/health/maine-plans-to-address-shortage-of-health-care-workers-via-initiatives-aimed-at-recruitment-advancement-maine-governor-janet-mills-jobs-recovery-plan/97-c62ab66c-3e05-485d-8ea0-7f3f367ac78a

Maine plans to address health care worker shortage via initiatives aimed at recruitment, advancement The new programs aim to make it more affordable for people to become health care professionals and make it easier to advance in their careers once they do.

Along Maine’s coast, students are contributing to the science of invasive species by collecting and counting crabs.

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/26/homestead/invasive-crabs-are-wreaking-havoc-on-maines-coast-joam40zk0w/

Invasive crabs are wreaking havoc on Maine’s coast As the number of invasive crabs continues to grow, Maine students are on the frontlines providing invaluable help to scientists by counting how many crabs they find and identifying their species.

"Banning the corridor is as silly and nonsensical as when, 30 years ago, Maine voted not to widen the Maine Turnpike. Remember that?"

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/10/23/letter-to-the-editor-cmp-corridor-will-bring-more-good-paying-jobs-to-maine/

Letter to the editor: CMP corridor will bring more good-paying jobs to Maine I am writing about the Clean Energy Corridor. Maine is a poor state with not enough capital investment and not enough good-paying jobs. I’d be real interested to know who is trying to capitalize on prejudice against Central Maine Power and bankrolling the opposition to jobs in Maine. Banning the c...

"The politics of this project must not override the positives, and the promises and concessions made by NECEC must not wither. Vote “No” and hold NECEC accountable for every word and deed."

https://www.sunjournal.com/2021/10/24/a-no-vote-will-bring-cleaner-air-revenue-to-maine/

A ‘No’ vote will bring cleaner air, revenue to Maine The politics of this project must not override the positives, and the promises and concessions made by NECEC must not wither. Vote “No” and hold NECEC accountable for every word and deed.

"Along with a few other conservation-minded friends who’ve researched this issue, I’ll be supporting the imperfect greater good the NECEC corridor presents, and say “No on 1” and to these fossil fuel interests and alliances."

https://www.sunjournal.com/2021/10/24/paul-baribault-say-no-to-question-1-fossil-fuel-interests/

Paul Baribault: Say no to Question 1, fossil fuel interests One of the elements being used in advertisements opposing the New England Clean Energy Connect corridor I find troubling is the objection that the recipient of this cleaner energy will be Massachusetts — the implication being that they are an oppositional state — a neighbor to be hindered someho...

"If you care about doing something constructive to help dampen climate change, buy a hybrid vehicle if you can afford it, and vote no on the corridor referendum."

https://www.centralmaine.com/2021/10/24/vote-no-on-question-1-to-help-climate/

Corridor’s climate benefits are worth it Letter

"We see this project as part of the fight against climate change"

https://mainenewsupdates.com/portland-press-herald-editorial-board-supports-a-no-vote-on-question-1/

Portland Press Herald editorial board supports a 'no' vote on Question 1 Despite still-unresolved questions and strong objections to the conduct of the campaign, especially on the vote “no” side, we see this project as part of the fight against climate change

When politicians claim to know more about the environment than environmental experts and review boards, it can come across as… well, less than serious.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/are-politicians-experts-in-everything-or-just-politics/

Are politicians experts in everything or just politics? Other than fundraising, politicians aren’t renowned for their expertise in any particular subject.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King said they're helping introduce the Save Our Servicemembers Act, which is also called the SOS Act. The senators said military su***des increased by 15% last year.

https://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Maine-senators-join-push-to-prevent-military-16558788.php

Maine senators join push to prevent military su***de AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine's U.S. senators have joined a push to try to prevent...

Statewide numbers released last week show close to 97% of EMS workers in Maine have gotten vaccinated.

https://khn.org/news/article/in-maine-vaccine-mandate-for-emts-stresses-small-town-ambulance-crews/

In Maine, Vaccine Mandate for EMTs Stresses Small-Town Ambulance Crews The covid vaccination rate for first responders in the state is more than 95%. But it’s lower in more rural areas, where ambulance crews can’t function if even just a few people quit.

The first strong storm system of the season will bring more active weather to Maine this week.

https://fox23maine.com/news/local/a-slow-moving-noreaster-will-bring-rain-and-gusty-winds-to-maine

A slow-moving nor'easter will bring rain and gusty winds to Maine PORTLAND (WGME) -- The first strong storm system of the season will bring more active weather to Maine this week. Pockets of showers and steady rain on Monday morning will taper off by afternoon. Another storm moves in by Tuesday. Track the rain from this nor'easter at home! Check out our interactiv...

The scientific consensus tells us that the best way to avoid the worst climate catastrophes is to start using electricity for all our energy needs, including home heating and transportation, while we shift generation away from coal, oil and natural gas to renewable power sources, a process known as beneficial electrification.

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/10/24/our-endorsement-vote-no-on-question-1-to-fight-climate-change/

Our Endorsement: Vote ‘no’ on Question 1 to fight climate change If we are going to decarbonize the energy economy, Maine is going to need infrastructure projects like the proposed transmission line.

With the help of the new tax revenue, Lewiston could finally emerge from the damage of the last recession.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/necec-dividends/

The NECEC is already paying dividends for Maine The NECEC clean energy corridor is already paying off for Maine. Literally.

70% of moose calf deaths in northern New Hampshire and central Maine were due to winter tick infestation.

https://mainenewsupdates.com/ticks-moose/

Global warming is causing an uptick in ticks – and they are killing Moose While the winter tick is happy to hop on nearly any mammal that crosses its path, they are particularly detrimental to the moose population.

Lobstering is more than a job, “It’s a culture.”

https://www.economist.com/united-states/2021/10/23/maine-relies-on-its-marine-life-but-climate-change-will-alter-what-that-means

Maine relies on its marine life, but climate change will alter what that means Dogfish rolls, anyone?

The 29-page report from Casey Family Programs does not detail specific failures related to the deaths of five children in June.

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/10/21/national-group-recommends-broad-improvements-in-maines-child-welfare-system/

Report recommends broad improvements in Maine’s child protection system But the 29-page report from Casey Family Programs does not detail specific failures related to the deaths of five children in June.

The largest development project the city has seen in decades is underway and set to be completed in the next six years.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/community/portland-foreside-the-old-ports-new-mixed-use-neighborhood-maine-munjoy-hill-sun-life-financial-waterfront/97-c67a2bc8-ccab-4db7-844e-ee7275af6f8b

Largest development project Portland has seen in decades underway in the OId Port The project, which sits between Portland's Munjoy Hill neighborhood and the waterfront, is projected to be completed in the next six years.

A grim milestone

https://www.wabi.tv/2021/10/22/total-coronavirus-cases-maine-top-100000/

Total coronavirus cases in Maine top 100,000 574 newly recorded coroanvirus cases, 2 additional deaths according to Maine CDC