http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maine-groups-call-on-governor-baldacci-to-prioritize-21st-century-transit-system-to-cut-pollution http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maine-groups-call-on-governor-baldacci-to-prioritize-21st-century-transit-system-to-cut-pollution Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:17:49 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maines-annual-report-card-for-global-warming-highest-grade-in-new-england-but-at-five-year-anniversary-of-regional-climate-agreement-states-are-not-on-track-to-meet-emission-reductions-targets PORTLAND—A regional “report card” released today by a coalition of environmental advocates in New England and Eastern Canada gives Maine a “B” for its actions to reduce global warming pollution over the last year. The report card evaluates the states and provinces against the specific commitments that they made in 2001. Maine received a “C” in 2004 and a “B-“in 2005. Maine has improved its grade—earning the highest grade in New England for 2006 and is only second to the Province of Quebec, which scored a “B+”. However, significant emission reductions have yet to be seen across the region. “Maine’s progress has been good, but we need aggressive implementation of Maine’s Climate Action Plan to ensure real emission reductions to meet the agreement’s timeline and to avoid the worst effects of global warming over the long-term,” said Jennifer Andersen of Environment Maine. The release of the 2006 Report Card on Climate Change Action coincides with the five-year anniversary of the signing of the 2001 regional climate agreement by the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers. The agreement outlines global warming policies that the states and provinces should be implementing and commits the region to the following goals: • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010. • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75-85% in the long-term. “The urgency to act aggressively on global warming has been increased by scientific discoveries made since 2001 in the Arctic and Antarctic about the speed of warming and the danger of feedback loops that could push us to a tipping point sooner than expected, “ said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. This year’s report card gauges how well the states and provinces are implementing global warming policies. It also adds a new grading category, based on whether the states and provinces are on track to meet the 2010 pollution reduction target. Maine, as well as every other New England state, received an “F” for the pollution reduction grade. “Although Maine continues to be a leader on climate policy there is still a lot more we have to do to ensure emission reductions by: investing more in energy efficiency; increasing the amount of renewable energy we generate and use; developing bio-fuels; continuing the “cleaner cars” program and, expanding transit services in urban and rural areas including expansion of the Downeaster train service. The good news is that we still have time to meet these regional goals and with the continued support of Maine people and our state government, we will,” said Andersen. ”One of the areas that the Baldacci administration did well in was “leading by example”, reducing emissions from the government sector by increasing energy efficiency, using more hybrid cars, and mandating LEED-certified, green building standards for government buildings. With so many states dragging their feet, now it is clearly time for the Governor to strengthen his leadership, both in Maine and across New England,” Voorhees said. The full Report Card can be downloaded at www.environmentmaine.org or www.nrcm.org Who: Jennifer Andersen, Environment Maine and Dylan Voorhees, Natural Resources Council of Maine What: Joint press conference to release Maine’s climate report card grade When: Monday, August 28th at 2:30 p.m.. Where: Portland City Hall State of Maine room Second Floor Portland, Maine ### Environment Maine is a non-partisan, non-profit environmental organization whose mission is to advocate for clean air, clean water and open spaces on behalf of our 3,500 statewide members. The Natural Resources Council of Maine, with more than 9,500 members and supporters, is the state’s leading advocacy organization working to curb air and global warming pollution, protect and restore the quality of our rivers, reduce poisonous chemicals threatening the health of people and wildlife, and conserve Maine lands, now and for future generations. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maines-annual-report-card-for-global-warming-highest-grade-in-new-england-but-at-five-year-anniversary-of-regional-climate-agreement-states-are-not-on-track-to-meet-emission-reductions-targets Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:35:56 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-u_s_-can-cut-global-warming-pollution-20-percent-by-2020-tools-at-our-disposal-now PORTLAND—Just weeks after the strongest global warming legislation in history was introduced in Congress, a new report released today by Environment Maine Research & Policy Center shows how the U.S. can meet – and even exceed – the legislation’s goals. The report finds that the U.S. can reduce its global warming emissions by nearly 20 percent within the next 15 years by boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy. Rising to the Challenge: Six Steps to Cut Global Warming Pollution in the United States is the first report to provide a national blueprint for achieving the short-term cuts in emissions that science shows are needed to put the U.S. on a path to avoid the worst effects of a warming world. “This report shows that we can do something about global warming, using tools that already exist, and that our economy likely will be stronger – and our lives better – if we do,” said Jennifer Andersen of Environment Maine Research & Policy Center. “Maine already adopted some of these strategies. We’re taking the lead, and now it’s time for Washington to act.” The report details six challenging but feasible steps to improve the energy efficiency of our economy and use more renewable energy. These strategies, coupled with strong, mandatory limits on global warming emissions, would reduce U.S. global warming emissions by 19% below 2004 levels by 2020 (see chart below). At the same time, the steps would improve America’s long-term economic and energy security. The six steps include: 1. Stabilize vehicle travel. Americans drive nearly twice as many miles per year as they did a quarter-century ago, leading to increased emissions of global warming pollutants. Americans are already cutting back on driving as a result of higher gasoline prices, but many Americans have few realistic alternatives to driving. Through changes in public policy and development patterns, Americans can be given more transportation choices, thus reducing the growth in vehicle travel. 2. Increase vehicle fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon and set fuel economy standards for large trucks. Establishing federal fuel economy standards for cars during the 1970s succeeded in reducing gasoline consumption and oil imports, as well as global warming pollution. But the fuel economy of new vehicles is now lower than it was during most of the Reagan administration. All types of vehicles – from SUVs to compact cars – can be designed to be far more energy efficient using technologies that already exist or will soon be available. Similarly, major improvements in fuel economy are possible for heavy-duty trucks, which are currently exempt from fuel economy standards. 3. Replace 10% of vehicle fuel with biofuels or other clean alternatives. Ethanol and biodiesel that are produced cleanly and sustainably have the potential to significantly reduce global warming emissions from transportation, especially if these biofuels are produced from plant wastes and cellulose. Other vehicle technologies – like “plug-in” hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles – have the potential to dramatically reduce global warming emissions in the future. 4. Reduce energy consumption in homes, business, and industry by 10% from current levels. Dramatic improvements in energy efficiency are possible in virtually every aspect of American life. For now, the U.S. can encourage weatherization of buildings, deployment of more efficient appliances and equipment, and efficiency improvements in industry. Soon, using new technologies such as those in zero-energy homes, we can transform the way we consume energy and achieve even larger improvements in efficiency. 5. Obtain 20% of our electricity from new renewable energy sources. America has virtually limitless potential for the generation of power from natural forces. By ramping up our use of wind power, solar power, geothermal and biomass energy, and other renewable forms of energy – and using much of that energy to replace power production at dirty, coal-fired power plants – the U.S. could dramatically reduce global warming emissions from electric power production. 6. Hold emissions from other sources to current levels. The five strategies listed above would address the largest sources of energy use and global warming emissions in the U.S. But some other sources of global warming pollution – such as emissions from air travel and emissions of some non-carbon dioxide global warming gases – are projected to increase significantly in the years ahead. The U.S. must stabilize, and eventually reduce, global warming pollution from all sectors of the economy. “Taking these steps would be a sizable down payment on the larger pollution reductions that the U.S. will need to achieve in the decades ahead to keep global warming in check,” said Andersen. To avoid the worst consequences of global warming, the U.S. must stabilize emissions within the next decade, begin reducing them soon thereafter, and cut global warming pollution by 80% by the middle of this century. The steps outlined in this report also would reduce U.S. dependence on scarce fossil fuels and, in many cases, create jobs and save money. “The potential payback from these efforts is tremendous—both in avoided economic and environmental impacts from global warming and in the establishment of a more secure energy future for the U.S. The result would be a cleaner, more sustainable foundation on which to build America’s economy for the 21st century,” said Andersen. Earlier this summer, Representative Henry Waxman of California and Senator James Jeffords of Vermont introduced legislation that would reduce U.S. global warming emissions by 13% below 2004 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2004 levels by 2050. Environment Maine Research & Policy Center commends Representatives Tom Allen and Michael Michaud for cosponsoring this important legislation. We strongly urge Senators Snowe and Collins to do the same. Maine has been and continues to be a leader on global warming policy. Maine was the first state to adopt a climate action plan, has implemented global warming tailpipe emission standards for all new cars to be sold in Maine, and is a signatory on an agreement for the first-in-the-nation cap and trade program to reduce global warming pollution from power plants across a seven-state region. “I recently introduced the Safe Climate Act to set targets and require the actions that will be necessary to avoid dangerous, irreversible warming of our planet. This report describes one path we could follow to get the job done. It highlights key actions we can take using proven technology to slash global warming pollution, while strengthening the economy and bolstering our national security,” said Rep. Henry A. Waxman. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-u_s_-can-cut-global-warming-pollution-20-percent-by-2020-tools-at-our-disposal-now Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:47:24 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-temperatures-in-portland-maine-on-the-rise PORTLAND—The average temperature in Portland was 3.1° F above average in 2006, according to a new report released today by Environment Maine. Environment Maine said this warmer-than-normal weather is indicative of what Maine can expect with continued global warming. “Throw out the record books, because global warming is raising temperatures in Maine and across the country,” said Environment Maine Advocate Matthew Kendo. “The long-term forecast is for more of the same unless we quickly and significantly reduce global warming pollution from power plants and passenger vehicles,” continued Kendo. According to the National Climatic Data Center, the 2006 summer and 2006 overall were the second warmest on record for the lower 48 states. 2007 is on track to be the second warmest year on record globally. To examine recent temperature patterns in the United States, Environment Maine compared temperature data for the years 2000-2006 from 255 weather stations located in all 50 states and Washington, DC with temperatures averaged over the 30 years spanning 1971-2000, or what scientists call the “normal” temperature. Key findings for Maine include: • In 2006, the average temperature was 3.1° F above normal in Portland. Nationally, the average 2006 temperature was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied. • In 2006, Portland experienced average maximum temperatures — the highest temperatures recorded on a given day — of 2.1° F above normal. During the summer, average maximum temperatures were 0.3° F above normal. • Over the course of 2006, Portland experienced three days where the temperature hit at least 90°F, more than the historical average. Heat waves have serious implications for human health, causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even death. • Portland experienced average minimum temperatures — the lowest temperatures recorded on a given day, usually at night — of 3.4° F above normal in 2006 and 3° F above normal during the 2006 summer. Warmer nighttime temperatures exacerbate the public health effects of heat waves, since people need cooler nighttime temperatures to recover from excessive heat exposure during the day. • Portland’s above-average temperatures in 2006 are part of a broader warming trend since 2000. Between 2000 and 2006, the average temperature was 46° F above the 30-year average in Portland. Nationally, the average temperature during this seven year period was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied. In April 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that North America could experience significant water stress, forest fires, and “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heat waves” as temperatures continue to rise. “Scientists are sounding alarm bells about the impacts of continued global warming,” stated Kendo. “The good news is that those same scientists say we can avoid the worst effects of global warming by taking bold action now to reduce global warming pollution,” continued Kendo. To avoid the worst consequences of global warming, the United States must halt increases in global warming emissions now, cut emissions by at least 15-20% by 2020, and slash emissions by at least 80% by 2050. “The better news is that we have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Kendo. The United States could substantially reduce its global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants, businesses, homes, and cars more efficient and generate more electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind and solar power. Congress is poised to consider global warming legislation this fall. The Safe Climate Act in the U.S. House and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act in the U.S. Senate are the only bills that would reduce pollution to levels that scientists say are needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming. “The heat is on Congress to take decisive action to curb global warming,” stated Kendo. “Environment Maine commends Representative Tom Allen for co-sponsoring the Safe Climate Act. He cannot settle for less,” concluded Kendo. Kendo was joined by Kyle Noonan, Representative to Tom Allen. Noonan delivered remarks on the Congressman’s behalf stating, “I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Safe Climate Act, the most aggressive legislation currently before Congress to combat global climate change. Our legislation creates a cap and trade system, across all sectors of the economy, for the control and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. From the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, I look forward to moving this and other critical climate change legislation to passage.” Environment Maine is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-temperatures-in-portland-maine-on-the-rise Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/coal-rush-to-threaten-environment-challenge-americas-energy-security-over-150-proposed-plants-would-boost-global-warming-pollution-by-10-percent-coal-consumption-by-30-percent-dirty-technologies-predominate PORTLAND—Energy companies are planning to build over 150 coal-fired power plants in locations across the United States, according to a report released today by Environment Maine Research & Policy Center. Far from enhancing America’s energy security, the wave of proposed plants – most of them powered by dirty, last-generation technologies – would dramatically increase global warming emissions and pose energy security and economic problems. “We’re lining up for a sprint in the wrong direction on U. S. energy policy,” said Jennifer Andersen, Environment Maine Research & Policy Center Advocate. “Expanding our dependence on coal will only worsen coal’s impact on global warming emissions and intensify the other environmental impacts and economic risks from coal.” Here in Maine, no new coal-fired power plants are planned. However, Maine is located at the end of the “nation’s tailpipe” and already suffers disproportionately as a result of pollution from coal-fired power plants as the pollution blows into the state on prevailing winds. With the addition of what could be over 100 new coal-fired power plants, Maine’s wildlife and people will suffer even more as increased amounts of mercury and air pollution contaminate the state. In addition, the early effects of global warming are evident across Maine and worldwide. Left unchecked, global warming threatens to cause wide ranging problems, such as flooding of coastal areas, drought, species extinction, and disease outbreaks. Recent evidence that the tick vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever is now in Maine confirms that global warming’s effects are already being felt in the state. The Environment Maine Research & Policy Center analysis, based on information from the U.S. Department of Energy and published reports, documented the potential impacts of completing the 150 plants proposed across the U.S. Among the impacts would be the following: • A 10 percent increase in U.S. global warming emissions. This increase would occur amid urgent scientific warnings about the dangers posed by global warming and growing consensus that, to avoid the worst consequences, America and the world must achieve steep cuts in global warming emissions by the middle of this century. • A 30 percent increase in U.S. coal demand, which would require the opening of new mines and expanded infrastructure for delivering that coal to power plants. The increase in coal demand would exacerbate the environmental devastation caused by coal mining, which has already denuded more than 7 percent of Appalachian forests, buried 1,200 miles of streams, and resulted in the release of hundreds of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals. It would also increase the likelihood of future cost increases for coal. Expanding America’s coal demand will come at a high price,” said Joe Lovett of the Appalachian Center. “New mines will level more mountains, permanently bury hundreds of miles of pristine mountain streams under billions of tons of mining waste and continue to devastate local communities located near the mines.” $137 billion invested in dirty, outdated coal-burning technology. Despite recent hype about the promise of “clean coal” – including the prospect of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants underground – only 16 percent of the proposed plants nationwide would use coal gasification technology, and none would incorporate carbon capture and storage. The rest would use older technologies that are already responsible for massive global warming emissions and the release of large quantities of pollutants responsible for human health problems. Lost opportunity for investment in efficiency and cleaner technologies. Investing the $137 billion slated for new coal-fired power plants into cleaner alternatives would yield economic and energy security benefits for the United States. If invested in energy efficiency, those funds could reduce U.S. electricity demand by about 19 percent in 2025 versus business as usual – obviating the need for the all of the coal plants on the drawing board. “We could avoid the need to build any new coal plants if we simply invested the same amount of money in energy efficiency, said Andersen, “and we’d save money at the same time.” If invested in wind energy, the United States could develop 110 gigawatts of the best wind energy locations in the western U.S., which could produce electricity at an overall cost comparable to coal. Economic risks for ratepayers, utilities and generators, who could be liable for the cost of complying with any new rules to limit global warming emissions from power plants – rules that are increasingly likely as evidence mounts of the potential environmental and economic impacts of global warming. “Companies that build coal-fired power plants today are gambling with their investors’ money,” said Leslie Lowe of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a coalition of investors promoting social responsibility. “They are betting that operating coal-fired power plants will continue to be cheap, despite the near certainty that global warming pollution will be regulated within the lifetime of the plants.” Despite these problems, the “coal rush” appears to be accelerating across the United States. In April, TXU Corporation announced plans for eight new coal-fired units in Texas, adding to three previously announced projects, for a total of 8,600 megawatts and $10 billion in capital investment. In June, NRG Energy announced six new coal-fired projects from Texas to Connecticut. And in July, PacifiCorp announced plans for two new coal-fired facilities to serve markets in Oregon. Environment Maine Policy & Research Center calls for several steps to stem the “coal rush.” First, our leaders in Maine should support all efforts to establish a moratorium on new coal plants across the country, in order to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts. Second, they should support the current regional proposal to enact a cap on carbon dioxide pollution from existing power plants, to be lowered over time; third, they should support at the national level the policy that no public money be spent on coal technology; and finally, Maine leaders should dramatically and swiftly expand programs to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. At the federal level, on June 20, Rep. Waxman introduced the Safe Climate Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. It would require the U.S. to reduce its global warming pollution 15 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. To achieve these targets, the bill calls for improved energy efficiency and a greater reliance on clean, renewable energy sources, while providing companies flexibility in meeting the pollution-reduction goals through a “cap-and-trade” program. Senator Jeffords of Vermont is introducing a similar bill in the Senate today. “America could substantially reduce its global warming pollution using existing technology to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass,” said Andersen. “What’s more, these steps would be good for America’s economy; creating jobs and improving productivity. But not if we stake our energy future on coal.” “Our leaders must take decisive action to stop the rush to build new coal plants and avoid the worst effects of global warming,” concluded Andersen. Environment Maine Research & Policy Center researches problems and engages the public in the interest of clean air, clean water and open spaces across the state.The report is available at www.environmentmaine.org. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/coal-rush-to-threaten-environment-challenge-americas-energy-security-over-150-proposed-plants-would-boost-global-warming-pollution-by-10-percent-coal-consumption-by-30-percent-dirty-technologies-predominate Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:00:17 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-maine-global-warming-pollution-up-77-since-1960---power-plants-cars-main-culprits-cited-in-report PORTLAND , ME—Global warming pollution in Maine jumped 77% between 1960 and 2001, according to The Carbon Boom, http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-maine-global-warming-pollution-up-77-since-1960---power-plants-cars-main-culprits-cited-in-report Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:14:47 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-outlines-twenty-ways-new-england-governors-and-legislatures-can-reduce-the-regions-gasoline-costs-and-global-warming-pollution-at-the-same-time AUGUSTA—New England Governors and Legislatures can reduce the region’s costly oil dependence by taking action to reduce the region’s largest source of global warming pollution: Transportation. This is the conclusion of a report, "Shifting Gears," released today by the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Environment Maine. The report outlines twenty policies state officials can adopt to promote more fuel efficient vehicles and to help people drive less and save money, oil and pollution. There are many good opportunities to reduce global warming pollution from cars and trucks that at the same time reduce oil dependence and costs, and insulate the regional economy from energy price shocks. “Cars and trucks put out more global warming pollution than any other source and are the major contributor to our oil dependence,” said Jennifer Andersen of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “Policies that get more efficient, cleaner-burning cars on the road will cut gas costs and pollution at the same time.” “We have to start re-imagining how to get people and goods from place to place,” said Matthew Davis of Environment Maine Research & Policy Center. “We can’t keep up the pace of sprawling development in southern Maine – it’s stoking global warming and driving up demand and prices for gasoline. Investing in transit, transit-oriented smart growth and pedestrian-friendly communities is a cheaper and less polluting way to solve transportation problems in the long run than building bypasses and widening roads.” For the New England states to follow through on their historic commitment – made in concert with the eastern Canadian provinces in 2001 – to reduce global warming pollution, reducing global warming pollution from transportation is job number one. Global warming pollution and oil costs and dependency from cars and trucks have been rising for decades and is projected to continue to increase if trends toward more vehicle travel and less fuel-efficient cars and trucks continue. Shifting Gears lays out 20 “bright ideas” that the region’s leaders should consider in their efforts to build a more sustainable transportation system for the region with less impact on the global climate. Many of these ideas are already being implemented in parts of New England or elsewhere. Report recommendations include: Reducing Per-Mile Vehicle Emissions 1. Adopt the clean cars program with carbon dioxide tailpipe limits – States adopting the full clean cars program can expect to roughly stabilize emissions of carbon dioxide from cars and light trucks within the next two decades. Maine has adopted these standards and continues to fight challenges from carmakers and the federal government. 2. Create incentives for the purchase of more fuel efficient vehicles – A program that combines fees for gas-guzzlers with cash rebates to purchasers of fuel-efficient vehicles could reduce global warming pollution from light-duty vehicles in the region by 5 to 31 percent below projected levels by 2020. 3. Require fuel-saving tires – By setting energy efficiency standards for tires, states could achieve a roughly 3 percent increase in vehicle fuel economy at little cost and without compromising safety. 4. Reduce emissions from government and transit fleets – Hybrid-electric buses can curb global warming emissions by 10 to 15 percent versus conventional buses. Encouraging Transit and Transportation Alternatives 5. Invest in the region’s rail infrastructure and develop a long-term rail plan – Passenger trains emit about half as much global warming pollution per passenger-mile as car or air travel. Maine should extend rail service from Portland to Brunswick, which will connect to the recently restored scenic Brunswick to Rockland service. 6. Expand suburb-to-suburb transit opportunities – By using smaller vehicles and more flexible routes, transit agencies in states like New Jersey have delivered effective service in hard-to-reach suburbs. 7. Improve transit in small cities and towns – Partnerships with local governments and major employers have helped rural and small-city transit agencies in New England extend their reach and bolster service. 8. Expand pedestrian and bicycling opportunities – Careful planning and infrastructure investments can reverse the decline in non-motorized transportation. Promoting “Smart Growth” 9. Redevelop urban areas in a sustainable way – State policy can encourage the redevelopment of old industrial and residential areas in cities, where per-capita global warming emissions from transportation are much lower than in newer suburbs. Redevelopment should be pedestrian friendly, incorporate mixed uses, be accessible to transit, and provide opportunities for existing residents to benefit from neighborhood improvements. 10. Encourage compact development – Through revised zoning laws, many towns are returning to a more compact, traditional New England style of development that relies less on the automobile and can allow people to complete more of their daily tasks via transit, by bicycle or on foot. 11. Support transit-oriented development – Providing residential and commercial opportunities near transit stations can magnify the benefits of transit and reduce vehicle travel. 12. Discourage sprawl by making it pay its own way – In Maryland and elsewhere, state and local governments are eliminating public subsidies for sprawling development, thereby encouraging more sustainable use of land and resources. Reducing Single-Passenger Automobile Commuting 13. Create and expand commute-trip reduction programs – Employer-based programs to discourage single-passenger commuting can cut rush-hour automobile trips by as much as 20 percent. 14. Encourage workers to live near their work or live near transit – Long automobile commutes are responsible for an increasing share of global warming emissions. Public and private policies should encourage people to live nearer to their work or closer to public transit, thus reducing the need for long trips to and from work. Reallocating the Costs of Driving 15. Calculate auto insurance rates by the mile – Shifting automobile insurance from a flat, yearly rate to one calculated by the mile can discourage excessive driving (particularly among the most dangerous drivers) – both reducing crashes and global warming pollution. Other insurance reforms can assign the proper risk premium to heavier, less efficient SUVs. 16. Allocate fairly the costs of parking – Many employers provide free parking to employees – and many towns require ample parking for stores and businesses – but few subsidize transit or provide equal benefits to pedestrians or bike riders. Reducing parking requirements and “leveling the playing field” for transportation alternatives can eliminate these subsidies for driving. 17. Eliminate other subsidies for driving – From government highway maintenance expenditures to fuel subsidies, taxpayers often subsidize excessive driving. Making individuals pay the full cost of driving will encourage cleaner and less-expensive alternatives. Reforming Transportation Planning and Finance 18. Consider adoption of least-cost planning – Demand reduction, transit and other alternatives are often cheaper and less polluting ways to solve transportation problems in the long run than building new highways. “Least-cost” planning that incorporates the social costs of automobile driving and the long-term benefits of stable transit infrastructure may reduce global warming emissions and reduce the cost of transportation overall. 19. Consider global warming in transportation planning – Transportation plans should fully factor in the impact of new highways and other projects on the climate. 20. Fund transit and other alternatives at higher levels – New England states have not taken full advantage of the ability to use federal funds for cleaner transportation options, and several lack any stable source of funding for transit. Prioritizing funding for transit and other clean options can help get badly needed projects off the drawing board and into place, as well as help transit agencies maintain high levels of service and reasonable fares. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-outlines-twenty-ways-new-england-governors-and-legislatures-can-reduce-the-regions-gasoline-costs-and-global-warming-pollution-at-the-same-time Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:24:39 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-maine-global-warming-pollution-up-24-since-1990-power-plants-cars-main-culprits-cited-in-report PORTLAND—Global warming pollution in Maine increased by 24% between 1990 and 2004, according to The Carbon Boom, a new analysis of state fossil fuel consumption data released today by the Environment Maine Research & Policy Center. This is the first time that 2004 state-by-state data on carbon dioxide emissions have been released. “Given the risks from global warming, Maine can’t afford to let its global warming pollution increase. It’s like the doctor telling you that you need to go on a serious diet, but instead you go straight for the Ben & Jerry’s,” said Environment Maine’s Matthew Davis. The Environment Maine Research & Policy Center’s report comes less than a week after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N. body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming, released its consensus report on the current and projected impacts of global warming. The report warned of increasing droughts, floods, heat waves, water stress, forest fires, and coastal flooding in the United States but concluded that “many impacts can be avoided, reduced, or delayed” by quickly and significantly reducing global warming pollution. “Global warming pollution is skyrocketing in Maine just as scientists are sounding alarms that we must rapidly reduce pollution to protect future generations. This report is a wake-up call to cap pollution levels now before it is too late,” said Davis. “ Maine’s efforts to cap power plant pollution will help reverse the trend.” Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environment Maine Research & Policy Center’s new report examines trends in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption between 1990 and 2004, the most recent year for which state-by-state data are available. Major findings of the report include: • Maine ’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption grew from 18.4 million metric tons to 22.8 million metric tons between 1990 and 2004, an increase of 24%. • Nationwide, emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel consumption increased by 18% between 1990 and 2004. Coal-fired power plants and the transportation sector—especially cars and SUVs—drove this emissions increase. • In Maine, carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas-fired power plants increased by 33424% between 1990 and 2004, rising from 0.01 million metric tons to 3.5 million metric tons. As Maine became over-reliant on natural gas, the fossil fuel went from accounting for 0.1 million MWh to 9.8 million MWh of electricity generation. • In Maine, carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline (primarily in cars and SUVs) increased by 19% between 1990 and 2004, rising from 5.2 million metric tons to 6.1 million metric tons. Between 1990 and 2004, vehicle miles traveled in Maine increased by 26%, while cars and SUVs became less efficient. “The good news is that we have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Davis. The United States could substantially reduce its global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants, businesses, homes, and cars more efficient and increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The Safe Climate Act (H.R. 1590), introduced by Representative Henry Waxman (CA) in the House, and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309), introduced by Senators Bernie Sanders (VT) and Barbara Boxer (CA) in the Senate, would limit global warming pollution to levels that current science says are needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming. The bills would freeze U.S. global warming emissions in 2010 and reduce emissions by about 15% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. “Our elected leaders have the opportunity to take action to achieve the reductions needed,” said Davis. “We commend Congressmen Tom Allen and Michael Michaud for co-sponsoring this critical legislation.” Only yesterday, Governor John Baldacci released his bill to enact and implement the Northeast pact to curb power plant pollution, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). “ Maine’s efforts to cut power plant pollution under the Northeast pact will help reverse the upward trend in emissions,” said Davis. “Cutting power plant pollution is just the first in a number of necessary steps. Next the state must invest in keeping the Downeaster train running and expand its services to curb Mainers’ increased driving and the resulting tailpipe pollution.” Environment Maine is a non-partisan, non-profit environmental organization whose mission is to advocate for clean air, clean water and open spaces on behalf of our 3,500 statewide members. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-maine-global-warming-pollution-up-24-since-1990-power-plants-cars-main-culprits-cited-in-report Fri, 10 Aug 2007 09:41:36 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bush-climate-announcement-on-crash-course-with-scientific-reality http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bush-climate-announcement-on-crash-course-with-scientific-reality Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:34:20 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maine-falling-behind-on-meeting-global-warming-pollution-reductions http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/maine-falling-behind-on-meeting-global-warming-pollution-reductions Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:57:32 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/local-leaders-cite-new-report-as-boosting-downeaster-and-transit-service http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/local-leaders-cite-new-report-as-boosting-downeaster-and-transit-service Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:12:21 -0600 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-charts-cleaner-cheaper-smarter-path-on-global-warming-policy http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-charts-cleaner-cheaper-smarter-path-on-global-warming-policy Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:17:03 -0600 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/cities-and-states-across-america-are-achieving-impressive-results-in-the-fight-against-global-warming http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/cities-and-states-across-america-are-achieving-impressive-results-in-the-fight-against-global-warming Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:19:54 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-programs-in-10-states-to-cut-global-warming-emissions-by-more-than-the-national-emissions-of-140-countries-federal-government-urged-to-lead-follow-or-get-out-of-the-way Clean cars programs adopted by 10 states to limit greenhouse gas pollution from cars will reduce global warming emissions in 2020 by 64 million metric tons per year, an amount greater than the national emissions of more than 140 nations. Put another way, by 2020 the Clean Cars Programs in these states will eliminate as much carbon dioxide pollution annually as is produced by 63 coal-fired power plants generating enough power for nearly a quarter of U.S. homes. The Clean Air Act allows states to choose between complying with federal vehicle emission standards and adopting the more protective standards – known as the Clean Cars Program –implemented by the state of California. To date, 10 states – California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington – have adopted the Clean Cars Program. Pennsylvania has also adopted elements of the Clean Cars Program and is now engaged in a rulemaking to update and enforce the standards. “The pollution reductions that will result from the clean cars requirements just in these ten states makes a significant dent in the world’s global warming emissions,” said Advocate Matthew Davis. “The commitment shown by these state leaders should give us hope that we can begin to reverse the pollution that is warming the earth.” These state efforts stand in stark contrast with efforts by Bush Administration agencies and Congress to block efforts to reduce global warming emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration are working to block these efforts by the states to take action to regulate emissions from cars. Later this month, the National Academy of Science study is expected to unveil a report that recommends even more obstacles to the states acting on clean cars. Automakers have sued Maine and other states for pursuing this program. “We should not be tolerating efforts by the federal Government and the automakers to block this kind of progress,” said Davis. “When it comes to global warming we need to see our leaders in Washington either lead, follow, or get out of the way.” At the same time, depending on how automakers choose to comply with the standards, the Clean Cars Program could reduce gasoline consumption by as much as 7.2 billion gallons per year in 2020 – nearly as much as is consumed by all the vehicles in Florida in a year – and save consumers up to $16.7 billion annually at the pump in 2020. “By taking action to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions from cars, we could see the fringe benefit be improvements in our energy security by beginning reduce our dependence on oil,” said Davis. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-programs-in-10-states-to-cut-global-warming-emissions-by-more-than-the-national-emissions-of-140-countries-federal-government-urged-to-lead-follow-or-get-out-of-the-way Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:19:31 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/sprawling-development-longer-commutes-and-lack-of-transportation-options-are-driving-global-warming-residents-of-so_-portland-portland-and-bangor-generated-least-global-warming-pollution-per-commuter PORTLAND, ME- The fastest growing communities in Maine, largely on the outer fringes of Portland, are contributing disproportionately to the global warming pollution caused by commuting according to "Driving Global Warming", a report released today by Environment Maine Research & Policy Center and the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The town-by-town rankings underscore long-standing concerns that the distance between where Mainers live and work, due to the growth of residential development in formerly rural areas, poses major challenges to efforts to reduce global warming pollution. The average commuter living in Naples, Lyman or Waterboro travels 17-19 miles to work and produces 7,000 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution each year, while the average commuter from Bangor, Portland and So. Portland travels 4-6 miles and generates less than 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution per year. Meanwhile, on a per capita basis, commuters to some college towns and mid-coast communities release less global warming pollution than most other towns and cities. The average commuter to Orono and Rockland travels five miles to work, well below the state average of nine miles. Indeed, living closer to work may be the best way to cut global warming pollution from commuting. On top of those shorter commutes, many residents in Orono and Waterville don’t use cars to get to work, at the rate of 24 and 13 percent, respectively. Transit availability is one factor in cutting commuting pollution, but not the only one. Only three percent of commuters living in Portland take transit to work, despite extensive bus transit in the city. “The good news is that you can 'get there from here' commuting daily, but this report shows how you do so helps determine how much global warming pollution you make,” said Jennifer Andersen of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “Cars and trucks are the largest source of global warming pollution in Maine and the more of this pollution we generate, the more our ski and maple syrup industries are at risk.” “This data gives us a revealing look at one of the most pressing environmental and public health problems of our generation,” said Matthew Davis of Environment Maine. “Fuel economy in cars and trucks is declining and sprawling growth is putting the state and region on a collision course with global warming. We have to reduce pollution from the transportation sector, and we have to start now.” The report uses recent US Census data to look for the first time at commuting pollution on a town-by-town level. As the region’s governors enter the next phase of a two-year effort to cap global warming pollution from power plants, the report shines a spotlight on what is actually the biggest and fastest-growing contributor to global warming: the transportation sector. Maine’s vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) were the highest in New England and rose at the second-highest rate of 10 percent from 1998 to 2003, according to research conducted last year. Maine has initiated a VMT Working Group as part of the Maine’s Climate Action Plan, but has yet to come forward with recommendations. Commuting is directly responsible for approximately nine percent of the state’s carbon dioxide emissions. And, the report’s authors argue, decisions that influence commuting—such as where to live and where to work—influence the trips people make for other purposes as well. “The New England Governors will be meeting in the spring to assess their progress cutting global warming emissions. Maine needs to take action to cut car travel,” added Davis. Fortunately, the state recently adopted standards for global warming emissions, which will cut global warming emissions from new cars by 30 percent by 2016. However, without a plan to encourage workers to live near their place of work, discourage sprawl and shift more commuting trips to transit and carpools, Maine will have a hard time reducing carbon dioxide emissions from transportation. Additionally, Maine residents commuting to Boston generate more global warming emissions than commuters traveling to any other out-of-state town. Indeed, if Boston were a town in Maine, it would rank 20th on the list of communities whose Maine workers generate the greatest amounts of inbound global warming emissions, at 10,540 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Amtrak’s Downeaster rail service had not started when this Census data was collected, but it is likely that this has cut the emissions of Boston-bound commuters. The report authors recommend that the state get a handle on the transportation sector’s contribution to global warming pollution by: • Ensuring cars and trucks in Maine produce less global warming pollution per mile; • Investing in transportation alternatives, including: o expanding rail service to Brunswick and beyond, o bolstering bus service such as the ZOOM shuttle, and o encouraging telecommuting, and ride sharing through the Go Maine program; • Encouraging transit-oriented development and downtown redevelopment; • Putting the brakes on sprawling residential development in rural areas; and • Holding large workplaces accountable for the emissions they generate “If we do these things, and stay on track to cut pollution from power plants, then we’ll be on the road toward meeting Maine’s global warming pollution reduction goals,” said Andersen. http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/sprawling-development-longer-commutes-and-lack-of-transportation-options-are-driving-global-warming-residents-of-so_-portland-portland-and-bangor-generated-least-global-warming-pollution-per-commuter Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:01:22 -0500 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/extreme-downpours-and-snowstorms-up-43-percent-in-maine http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/extreme-downpours-and-snowstorms-up-43-percent-in-maine Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:16:00 -0600 http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-card-2007-maine-gets-a-b--for-global-warming-action ENVIRONEWS http://www.environmentmaine.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-card-2007-maine-gets-a-b--for-global-warming-action Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:40:10 -0600