Following up on earlier pledges, the governor proposes setting ambitious goals for reducing Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions and obtaining electricity from renewable energy sources.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Maine Senate passes bill to ban Native American school mascots
The measure, which comes after a divisive, years-long debate in Skowhegan, has now received initial approval in both chambers of the Legislature.
Weapons collected in 9 communities’ ‘gun give back’ will end up as gardening tools
The Guns to Garden Tools program on May 11 will allow residents to safely dispose of unwanted firearms at local police departments.
Without opposition, legalized sports gambling in Maine looks like a good bet
A U.S. Supreme Court decision lifted a federal prohibition on sports betting, opening up a race among states to get into the action.
Buying a lakefront home next year? You’ll need a septic inspection first.
The bill signed on Earth Day by Gov. Janet Mills is an extension of the inspection requirement in effect since 2007 for homes along the Maine coast.
Bill to restore welfare benefits for non-citizens advances
Several measures pending in the Legislature would reverse policy decisions affecting welfare recipients made by the administration of former Gov. Paul LePage.
‘Red flag’ gun bill draws hours of emotional testimony
Supporters said police must be allowed to temporarily confiscate guns from dangerous people, but opponents decried it as a gun grab that would violate Mainers’ rights.
Lawmakers consider banning chemicals common in food packaging
Concerns are growing about the health effects of both PFAS and phthalates, but manufacturers and others say a blanket prohibition is an overreach.
Statewide ban on foam food and beverage containers moves forward
The House and Senate have given preliminary approval to a bill to prohibit most restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses from using foam food and beverage containers.
Panel endorses bill to require lead testing for children
If enacted, the proposal would require testing of all 1- and 2-year-olds in Maine to detect lead poisoning early in a child’s development.