Maine Climate News, September 30

Maine PUC Urges Regulators to Reject CMP’s Rate Hike

The rate hike proposal, from which CMP would earn an additional $189 million, has faced significant backlash from consumers. CMP is asking customers to pay an extra $7 per month.

The proposal also asks for a second rate increase starting next May, which would force customers to pay up to $18 more monthly.

CMP says that without the rate increase, they won’t have enough funding for important infrastructure upgrades. They add that they’ve already spect over $69 million dollars on some of these projects.

Sources: Maine Public and WGME

Peak Foliage to Come Earlier This Year

Persistent drought conditions in the state are making this year’s fall foliage peak sooner than usual.

When trees lack water, they go into stress. In response, they stop producing chlorophyll which makes their leaves green. Without chlorophyll, they change color.

According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry’s foliage report, some parts of Northern Maine are already nearing peak. During a normal year, peak foliage usually arrives in the middle of October.

Source: Maine Public

PFAS Detected in Birds Following 2024 Spill in Brunswick

In 2024, a firefighting foam spill at the Brunswick Naval Air Station leaked PFAS into the waters of Harpswell. PFAS levels were reported to be four to five times higher in birds within five miles of the spill, than birds over 40 miles away.

Prior to the spill, researchers already had data on the blood content of eiders and bald eagles from previous research. This made it possible to determine if their blood PFAS levels changed after the spill.

Researchers worry that interactions between humans and birds could result in PFAS exposure in humans. The full study will be released next fall after more data is collected.

Source: Maine Public

New Plans to Make Yarmouth Safer for Pedestrians

Yarmouth’s Town Council has approved updates to the town’s Bike and Pedestrian Network Plan, created in 2015.

The Yarmouth Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has helped survey residents about their safety concerns, with many worrying about speeding and reckless driving.

While most parts of Yarmouth have the necessary infrastructure to ensure pedestrian safety, some areas lack sidewalks and crosswalks. There are 80 projects outlined in the plan that will address these gaps and create a safer walking environment.

Source: Portland Press Herald