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Researchers studying ways to reduce the dairy industry's climate-altering emissions say a hotter climate can cause heat stress in dairy cows, reducing their feed intake, milk production, and fertility. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Cow feed research aims to cut ME dairies' methane emissions

New research could help Maine dairy farmers increase profits while reducing effects on the climate. Scientists said adding a plant-based essential …

The Maine Labor Climate Council finds that building net-zero single-family residential homes (including renewable energy) would create 839 direct jobs per year and reduce carbon emissions by 16,770 metric tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 6, 2024

ME promotes youth apprenticeships to build green economy workforce

State officials in Maine are highlighting apprenticeships as a way to earn a living wage and contribute to the state's growing green economy…

Maine has already experienced eight inches of sea-level rise over the last century with another 1.5 feet expected by 2050 and four more feet by 2100, according to the Maine Climate Council. (Adobe Stock)

ME prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism

State officials in Maine are preparing the next generation for climate change-related activism and careers. A new state-run website helps young …

There are more than 1,300 species listed as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, including the piping plover, a shorebird found on sandy beaches in southern Maine. (Adobe Stock)

New Endangered Species Act rules consider climate impact on ME wildlife

Conservationists in Maine said reinstated protections of the Endangered Species Act could help wildlife already struggling to adapt to climate change…

Local and federal resources for Mainers who have been affected by the damaging storms that hit Maine on December 18, 2023, and January 10, 2024, are available through the Maine Emergency Management Agency by calling 1-800-452-8735. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Climate change, development threaten Maine’s working waterfronts

Reintroduced federal legislation aims to preserve Maine's iconic, working waterfronts still recovering from recent powerful storms. Strong winds and …

The Hudson, Susquehanna, Delaware, Connecticut and Merrimack watersheds in the Northeastern U.S. have experienced some of the steepest declines in snowpack, according to a study by Dartmouth researchers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Study reveals climate change erasing seasonal snowpacks of New England

A new study found seasonal snowpacks throughout New England have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change…

NextGen's new website aims to help young Mainers access the Inflation Reduction Act for up to $7,500 in tax credits towards the purchase of a new clean car, and up to $4,000 for a used clean car. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Website helps Maine’s young voters track climate change resources

A new website aims to help young voters in Maine take advantage of the historic climate progress being made through the Inflation Reduction Act…

A Spray underwater glider shortly after deployment in the Gulf Stream offshore of Miami, Fla., began one of the many glider-based surveys of the Gulf Stream completed by Associate Scientist Robert Todd's group at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution since 2015. (Robert Todd/WHOI)

Study confirms Gulf Stream warming, shifting toward Maine coast

The latest research finds the Gulf Stream has warmed faster than the global ocean over the past two decades, and has shifted toward the Atlantic …

Members of the Sunrise Movement in Franklin County, Maine, advocate for a Green New Deal. The Fifth National Climate Assessment showed greenhouse gas emissions in the United States fell 12% from 2005 to 2019 but will need to decrease 6% annually to meet international climate goals. <br />

Young activists call on Biden administration to declare climate emergency

Young activists are pressuring President Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency and use the additional powers to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions…

The Maine Legislature has enacted laws to reduce the state's greenhouse-gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and transitioning Maine's electricity use to 80% renewable energy by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

New heat-pump technology helps Maine reduce oil use, reach climate goals

A new report shows Maine is exceeding the home-heating goals set forth in its ambitious four-year climate plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions…

Maine's four-year climate plan aims to decrease the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. (Adobe Stock)

ME towns share plans, resources to build climate resilience

Community groups across Maine are helping small towns with fewer resources better prepare for the growing threat of climate change. They are …

According to a poll by the Climate and Community Project, 55% of Mainers believe utilities should be nonprofits, and 60% said they've experienced a power outage in the past few months. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maine voters consider costs, climate in public utility amendment

An amendment on Tuesday's ballot in Maine to transfer ownership of the state's two private utilities to the public is considered a dead heat…

Two category 4 hurricanes made landfall in Central America in November 2020, displacing at least 1.5 million people, according to the International Red Cross. Droughts were likely a key driver of family migration from Honduras and Guatemala to the U.S. in 2018 and 2019. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME prepares to welcome more climate migrants

Community leaders in Portland, Maine are preparing for a growing number of Central American "climate refugees." Intense storms and drought in the …

Power outages have increased to more than 100 times a year in the last five years, double the approximately 50 times a year in the early 2000s, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. (Adobe Stock)

Maine Researchers Help Develop Climate Change-Resilient Power Grids

Researchers at the University of Maine are working to develop a more resilient electric power grid to withstand the growing number of climate change-r…

In 2012, candidates took 7%, on average, of all their out-of-state money from ideologically-driven donors. But in the 2022 election cycle, ideological donors typically made up 13% of the out-of-state donor pool, according to Open Secrets. (Adobe Stock)

Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Political candidates running for federal office have grown increasingly reliant on out-of-state donations, according to a new report. Government …

The number of climate-related cases has more than doubled in the last five years, with 1,522 cases currently underway in the United States, according to Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Activists Organize for 'Green Amendment' in Maine

Youth climate activists in Maine are working to enshrine "the right to a clean and healthy environment" into their state's constitution. It is …

Teachers could use the new Maine Climate Hub to teach students about the Gulf of Maine, which is considered one of the fastest-warming ocean regions on the planet. (Adobe Stock)

ME Students Benefit from New Climate Change-Related Education Tool

Educators in Maine will have a new online resource this school year to help them teach what they say is one of the most challenging subjects: climate …

The Biden administration has jump-started offshore wind development, infusing coastal states such as Maine with funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, with a goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More Climate Investments Sought After Inflation Reduction Act

Backers of the Inflation Reduction Act say its historic funding is helping build a clean-energy future, but a National Climate Emergency Plan is …

By upgrading its treatment plant, separating sewer lines and increasing stormwater storage, Portland, Maine, is on track to end sewage overflows into Casco Bay by 2030, according to Environment America.(Adobe Stock)

Investments Urged to Protect ME Water Infrastructure from Climate Change

More work and investment are needed to ensure all waters in Maine are safe for swimming, according to a new report. At least 36 beaches in the state …

Studies show the United States will need to train and employ more than a quarter-million electricians by 2030 in order to support and maintain the country's growing electrical infrastructure, including millions of electric vehicle charging stations and carbon-free building systems. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

More STEM Workers Needed in ME to Fill Growing Green Energy Sector

Business leaders in Maine are working to raise awareness of the growing number of climate change-related job opportunities. The state's recent …

A recent American Farmland Trust survey revealed that over 50% of farmers surveyed sought conservation education from another farmer, versus 20% who looked for help from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Bill Aids Farmer Education to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Maine and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing number …

As part of Maine's Offshore Wind Initiative, the state will develop a Floating Offshore Wind Research Array in the Gulf of Maine to foster research into floating offshore wind and how it interacts with the marine wildlife, fishing industry, shipping and navigation routes, and more. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME Labor Groups Applaud New Offshore Wind Energy Industry Standards

Labor advocates are hailing Maine Governor Janet Mill's signing of a landmark bill creating a new offshore wind energy industry in the state…

About one-quarter of Maine farmworkers live in poverty, making them roughly 4.5 times as likely to live below the poverty line as other Maine workers, according to the Maine Center for Economic Policy. <br />(Adobe Stock)

ME Farm Workers Denied Minimum Wage

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill to pay Maine farmworkers the state's minimum wage, but labor groups say the fight isn't over. They plan to keep …

ME Lawmaker Seeks Solution to 'Fast Fashion' Pollution

Democratic lawmakers are asking federal investigators to study the true cost of so-called fast fashion and its contribution to climate change…

A study by the American Institutes for Research showed children who participated in outdoor education programs raised their science test scores by 27%. (Adobe Stock)

Outdoor Education Key to Improving Health of Students, Planet

Congressional lawmakers are considering a bill to help improve the environmental literacy of America's students. Dubbed the "No Child Left Inside …

The Biden administration has set a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2030, enough to power more than 10 million American homes. (Adobe Stock)

Bills Aim to Create 'Responsible' Offshore Wind Industry in ME

Maine lawmakers are considering two pieces of legislation which supporters said are needed to ensure "responsible" development of offshore wind projec…

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

University of Maine graduate Emily Miller holds a female Arctic charr from the Floods Pond field site in Otis, Maine, where she and other scientists will measure, genetically sample and tag the long-lived species with a microchip ID. (Bradley Erdman)

Maine’s Arctic Charr Provide Insight into Climate Resilience

Researchers are studying the feeding habits of Arctic charr to help predict how other fish species could adapt to a warming climate. Arctic charr …

Today, 10% of land area on Earth is covered with glacial ice, including glaciers, ice caps and the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica. These glacierized areas cover nearly 6 million square miles. (Adobe Stock)

UNE Researcher: Most Glaciers Gone by 2100

A study co-authored by a University of New England researcher finds the majority of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of the century…

Conservationists note that old, wild forests bring various benefits, from storing carbon to preserving biodiversity. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Aim to Protect Old Forest in Northern Appalachian-Acadian Ecoregion

Conservationists in the Northern Appalachian-Acadian region are changing how they think about forest protection and management, by bringing together …

President Joe Biden was one of many world leaders who spoke about the urgent need to take bold action to curb climate change at COP26. (White House)

Mainers Join World Leaders in Glasgow, Demand U.S. Climate Action

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As talks continue at the annual international climate summit, Mainers are among those urging the U.S. to follow up on its …

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has identified more than 700 sites in 34 towns for PFAS testing. (Flickr)

Groups Urge Bold Steps to Reduce Harm of Toxic, Pervasive PFAS

ARUNDEL, Maine -- As Maine and the federal government take steps to study and restrict the toxic and pervasive "forever chemicals" known as …

Maine's ban on neonicotinoids prevents both private consumers and licensed applicators from using the pesticide. (lightpoet/Adobe Stock)

Law Bans Pesticides Seen as Harmful to Bees in Residential Landscapes

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill signed into law last week bans the use of neonicotinoids, neonics for short, in outdoor residential landscapes. The …

Fishing to Play Key Role in Next Decade of Conservation Efforts

BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Members of the Maine fishing industry are among those looking forward to having a seat at the table, to make progress toward the …

President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan seeks to establish the United States as a leader in climate science and innovation, including through offshore wind projects in Maine. (chrisrt/Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Earth Day Climate Summit, Mainers Call Federal Action Long Overdue

AUGUSTA, Maine -- President Joe Biden convenes a virtual climate summit with world leaders on Thursday, Earth Day. He is also expected to unveil a …

If confirmed, New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland would be the first-ever Native American cabinet secretary. (Wikimedia Commons)

Conservationists: Haaland Fights for Public Lands, Natural Resources

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Conservationists in Maine say Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., will work to restore public lands and natural resources as Secretary of the …

A new federal Office of Climate Change is expected to address the intersection between climate change and public health; for example, pollution in certain communities leading to higher rates of respiratory illness. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

ME Climate Expert Applauds Exec. Orders to Tackle Climate Change

AUGUSTA, Maine -- President Joe Biden will sign a bundle of executive orders today, reversing more Trump-administration rollbacks and setting new …

By providing additional funding for clean-energy projects, advocates say, state-level green banks could create thousands of jobs in communities across Maine. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers, Advocates Urge Congress to Back Green Banks

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As Maine considers how to fund its statewide Climate Action Plan, advocates are proffering so-called "green banks" as a possible …

Mainers have seen coastal flooding, sea-level rise and wetland loss in recent years, among other consequences of climate change. (Pixabay)

New Maine Climate Action Plan Charts Path to Reduce Emissions

AUGUSTA, Maine - A new Maine Climate Action Plan from the governor's office lays out a science-based approach to combat climate change while creating …

According to a number of Maine medical professionals, air pollution particularly harms at-risk groups in Maine for COVID, including those over 65 and communities of color. (Pxhere/Creative Commons)

Many Maine Doctors See Climate Change Hurting Health

PORTLAND, Maine -- Many Maine medical professionals are concerned about the impact of climate change on public health, including COVID-19. More than …

Maine, in an attempt to slow climate change, is asking a judge to stop the EPA from stalling on rules to limit methane waste from existing oil and gas facilities. (zehngzaishuru/Wikimedia Commons)

ME Presses EPA for Federal Rules on Methane Waste

PORTLAND, Maine -- Maine and 15 other states and cities are asking a federal judge to force the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate methane …

Coastal restoration jobs could help Maine communities hit hard by losses in the fishing and tourism industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. (RocklandMaine.gov)

Funding for Coastal Restoration Jobs Could Benefit Maine

STONINGTON, Maine -- The U.S. House is expected to vote today on the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion bill to fund infrastructure. Part of the …

Studies have shown positive public health and climate impacts from wind-farm development. (enriquelopezgarre/Pixabay)

Does Wind Energy Have a Public Health Impact?

BUFFALO, N.Y. – As Maine ramps up wind-farm development again, there's been plenty of discussion about the jobs it can create. But what about …

Scientists say the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world�s oceans. (Adobe Stock)

Gulf of Maine Warming is "Sneak Preview" of Future Global Climate Conditions

PORTLAND, Maine — As much of the East Coast experiences unseasonably warm fall temperatures, scientists studying the Gulf of Maine point to its …

Warming winters in New England could force out the region's iconic, cold-loving sugar maple (Bob Nichols/USDA).

Analysis: Trump's Endangered Species Act Rules Could Devastate New England Forests

AUGUSTA, Maine – A new analysis by Defenders of Wildlife shows that New England could be hard hit if the Trump administration’s new …

Maine fishermen caught close to 120 million pounds of lobster in 2018 and more than 100 million every year since 2011. (adamparent/Adobe Stock)

Offshore Lobster Industry in Maine Threatening Right Whales

BAR HARBOR, Maine – While the U.S. lobster industry is booming in Maine, some of its fishing methods are hurting a special group – the …

Gov. Janet Mills' climate bill is the most ambitious in more than a decade for tackling the effects of climate change in Maine. (Adobe Stock)

Governor's Bill Moves Maine Toward 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine would take an ambitious turn to fight climate change with a new bill announced Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills. The goals of LR 24…

Maine has public-health advisories against eating fish from 14 bodies of water contaminated with mercury. (pxhere)

Moms Oppose Changes to EPA Mercury Rule

AUGUSTA, Maine - Do your job, protect our kids. That's the message dozens of mothers from 15 states took to Washington, D.C., this week. The …

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PNS Daily Newscast - May 9, 2024

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ME: Climate Change