Energy and Environment

PORTLAND, ME – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today received the first-ever Environmental Champion Award from Environment Maine for her “consistent, strong, and effective leadership” in protecting public health and the environment in Congress.   “It’s a privilege to receive the Environmental Champion Award from Environment Maine, a group doing… Read more »

During a budget hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree pressed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on a number of issues, including the effects of climate change on Maine’s economy, the public health risks of weakening of clean air policies, and consequences for the state of a 31 percent proposed cut for… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today welcomed a total $1.1 million in EPA Brownfields grants for two Maine organizations to provide low-interest loans for the cleanup and redevelopment of polluted sites, but cautioned that this important program has been slated for an over 30 percent cut in President Trump's proposed budget. Read more »

Statement from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree following the failure of House Republican’s to bring Trumpcare to the floor for a vote:     “This is a huge win for tens of thousands of Mainers who made their voices heard and rely on the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. This bill was bad from the start and got worse as President Trump and House Republicans… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Pika Energy in Westbrook is getting a $875,000 Department of Energy Grant to improve technology for managing electric grids to take advantage of solar power and other sources of clean energy.   "This is another great example of how clean-energy companies in Maine are developing new technology and creating good-paying jobs in our… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) headquartered in Portland is getting a $5.35 million Department of Energy grant to finish development of the commercial design of its TidGen Power System.  The new design will be tested, operated and monitored in Washington County.  This DOE funded project is a critical next step in the eventual… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the meeting of world leaders in Paris this week to negotiate a global strategy for addressing climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.  “It’s powerful to see so many world leaders come together to acknowledge the harsh reality of climate change and commit to addressing it.  I especially appreciate President… Read more »

Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin said today that 14 small businesses in rural Maine will be getting $1.7 million in USDA funding to invest in efficiency and clean energy projects.  The grants, through the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), fund projects like solar panels, anaerobic digesters to create electricity from waste, and thermal conversion… Read more »

“I applaud President Obama for taking bold action to address climate change. Maine communities are already dealing with the effects of climate change and carbon emissions, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and ocean acidification. ..." Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree opposed a bill in Congress today that would dramatically undercut the EPA's ability to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from power plants. "Climate change is real and we are already seeing the result of it in Maine and all over the world.  It threatens our economy, it threatens the health of our families, and it threatens our safety and security,"… Read more »