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Articles 1 - 30 of 33
Full-Text Articles in Environmental Sciences
Before And After The Clean Water Act: How Science, Law, And Public Aspirations Drove Seven Decades Of Progress In Maine Water Quality, David L. Courtemanch, Susan P. Davies, Eileen Sylvan Johnson, Rebecca Schaffner, Douglas Suitor
Before And After The Clean Water Act: How Science, Law, And Public Aspirations Drove Seven Decades Of Progress In Maine Water Quality, David L. Courtemanch, Susan P. Davies, Eileen Sylvan Johnson, Rebecca Schaffner, Douglas Suitor
Maine Policy Review
In the 1950s, Maine established a water quality classification system creating the conceptual scaffolding of a tiered system of management. Passage of the federal Clean Water Act in 1972 drove dramatic advances in science, technology, and policy leading to systematic improvement for the next five decades. Today’s tiered classification system provides a range of management goals from natural to various allowable uses. The state assigns uses and standards for each classification, incorporating physical, chemical, and biological indicators. This system has brought steady improvement in water quality, ecological condition, and overall value for human use. Visible evidence of improvement and adoption …
Interview With Robert Kates, Pathfinder In Sustainability Science, Bridie Mcgreavy, Robert Kates
Interview With Robert Kates, Pathfinder In Sustainability Science, Bridie Mcgreavy, Robert Kates
Maine Policy Review
In this interview, Robert Kates discusses the challenges of sustainability science in moving from what scientists know to actions that can provide solutions to pressing environmental and development problems. Kates notes that sustainability science has the dual mission of addressing core scientific and intellectual questions, while at the same time addressing development in particular places. He suggests that one of the key questions is how to address long-term trends and transition to a “better synthesis between environment and society.”
Wicked Tools: The Value Of Scientific Models For Solving Maine’S Wicked Problems, Tim Waring
Wicked Tools: The Value Of Scientific Models For Solving Maine’S Wicked Problems, Tim Waring
Maine Policy Review
“Wicked problems” are urgent, high-stake socioeconomic-environmental challenges that often involve ideological conflict and have no “best solutions.” Using examples from Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative projects, Tim Waring describes how scientific models can be used to address these kinds of problems. When well-constructed and tested models are used to address policy-relevant issues, include input from stakeholders, and integrate social, economic and environmental dynamics, they can become “wicked tools” to address some of society’s biggest challenges.
The Path To Sustainable Water Resources Solutions, John Peckenham, David Hart, Sean Smith, Shaleen Jain, Whitney King
The Path To Sustainable Water Resources Solutions, John Peckenham, David Hart, Sean Smith, Shaleen Jain, Whitney King
Maine Policy Review
Water is essential both to human survival and to the ecosystems on which people depend. Although Maine is blessed with abundant water sources, managing them is crucial for both short and long-term uses. The authors describe the varying time and spatial scales involved in managing water resources, pointing out that policy decisions made at one time can have far-reaching consequences. They provide illustrations of water-resource projects from Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative, ranging in size from Sebago Laketo vernal pools on individual properties.
Advancing Science And Improving Quality Of Place: Linking Knowledge With Action In Maine’S Sustainability Solutions Initiative, Damon Hall, Linda Silka, Laura Lindenfeld
Advancing Science And Improving Quality Of Place: Linking Knowledge With Action In Maine’S Sustainability Solutions Initiative, Damon Hall, Linda Silka, Laura Lindenfeld
Maine Policy Review
The authors give an overview of how research carried out through Maine’s Sustainabilty Solutions Initiative (SSI) improves traditional models of science by providing a fuller picture of the interaction between social and ecological systems. They provide examples of university-community research partnerships, where there is a continuous communication and feedback process that identifies problems and develops projects with a solutions-oriented focus. SSI projects, they argue, “focus on issues that may make lasting improvements to Maine’s quality of place.”
Student Perspective: Margaret Chase Smith Library 2011 Essay Contest:, Zoe Anderson, Ali Clift, Allaina Murphy
Student Perspective: Margaret Chase Smith Library 2011 Essay Contest:, Zoe Anderson, Ali Clift, Allaina Murphy
Maine Policy Review
Each year, the Margaret Chase Smith Library sponsors an essay contest for Maine high school seniors. The focus of the 2011 contest was environmental protection. The essay prompt quoted a 1972 statement from Sen. Smith: “We must recognize that we’re not going to eliminate pollution overnight. It’s going to be a hard, long fight. It’s going to take a long time and a lot of sacrifice on the part of each one of us.” By happy coincidence, the essay contest topic fits perfectly with the subject matter of this special issue of Maine Policy Review on sustainability. We feature here …
Attitudes Toward Offshore Wind Power In The Midcoast Region Of Maine, James Acheson
Attitudes Toward Offshore Wind Power In The Midcoast Region Of Maine, James Acheson
Maine Policy Review
Given the likelihood of the development of offshore wind farms in Maine and the increasingly politicized nature of discussions about wind power in general, there is a need for more systematic information on Mainers’ opinions about offshore wind power. In this article, James Acheson provides information on the range of public opinion about offshore wind power based on a survey of fishermen, tourism-related business owners and coastal property owners in Midcoast Maine. He assesses the accuracy of some public concerns and discusses the broader policy issues raised about offshore wind development.
Letter From The Editor, Ann Acheson
Sustainability: The Challenges And The Promise, George J. Mitchell
Sustainability: The Challenges And The Promise, George J. Mitchell
Maine Policy Review
Senator George J. Mitchell’s Margaret Chase Essay reflects on sustainable development. He discusses how teams of Maine faculty and students are working in partnerships across business, government and non-governmental organizations to seek solutions for a wide range of ecological and economic challenges.
It’S Growing Season For Maine’S Food System, Deborah Felder
It’S Growing Season For Maine’S Food System, Deborah Felder
Maine Policy Review
In the introduction to this special issue, guest editor Deb Felder lays out the elements of a sustainable food system. She notes that the increased interest in more ecologically sustainable, safe, humane, and economical community-supported food systems has “put Maine in the forefront of the food movement.”
Land Use Planning On A Grand Scale: A Decision Maker’S Perspective, E. Bart Harvey Iii
Land Use Planning On A Grand Scale: A Decision Maker’S Perspective, E. Bart Harvey Iii
Maine Policy Review
The author of this commentary, who served as a commissioner on the Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LURC) discusses the ground-breaking 400,000-acre concept plan by Plum Creek Corporation for development of the Moosehead Lake region in Maine. The highly-contested plan approved by LURC involves rezoning for hundreds of acres to allow for single family homes and resorts, and sets aside significant acreage in conservation.
The Clean Water Act In Maine: Goals And Financing, Andrew Fisk
The Clean Water Act In Maine: Goals And Financing, Andrew Fisk
Maine Policy Review
Andrew Fisk gives an overview of the history of the federal Clean Water Act and of Maine’s efforts to improve the quality of the state’s lakes, rivers and streams. He describes how the Clean Water Act works and how its provisions are implemented. While the quality of Maine’s water bodies has improved greatly, much work still remains to be done in the areas of rain and stormwater runoff and mercury pollution, and in having adequate financing and infrastructure over the long term.
Understanding The Global Energy Industry Is Key To Meeting Maine’S Energy Challenge, Elizabeth A. Wilson
Understanding The Global Energy Industry Is Key To Meeting Maine’S Energy Challenge, Elizabeth A. Wilson
Maine Policy Review
Dependence on petroleum has global consequences with regard to supply constraints, energy security, and economic impacts, along with major consequences for climate change and other environmental problems. Maine is at a particular disadvantage due to its reliance on home heating oil and transportation fuels in this rural state. In this article, Elizabeth Wilson analyzes the global petroleum industry and the challenges and solutions ahead for the U.S. and Maine as we seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and develop other cleaner and cost-effective energy sources.
The Energy Challenge–Gone Today, Back Tomorrow: Maine’S Key Role, William H. Hastings
The Energy Challenge–Gone Today, Back Tomorrow: Maine’S Key Role, William H. Hastings
Maine Policy Review
World energy trends suggest that increased demand for fossil fuels is likely to continue, even as producers are not replacing what is being used. William Hastings argues that in spite of this, Maine is poised to potentially become an energy leader in the near future. He points out that a surprising number of new projects are increasing the diversity of the state’s energy supply.
Confronting Global Warming: Maine’S Multi-Sector Initiatives, 2003–2008, David P. Littell, Gary S. Westerman, Malcolm C. Burson
Confronting Global Warming: Maine’S Multi-Sector Initiatives, 2003–2008, David P. Littell, Gary S. Westerman, Malcolm C. Burson
Maine Policy Review
David Littell, Gary Westerman and Malcolm Burson describe Maine’s pioneering efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and developing less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy sources. They discuss in particular the goals and accomplishments of the state’s Climate Action Plan and Maine’s participation in several multi-state and regional efforts, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Introduction: Ask Not… Voices From Maine Addressing Climate Change And Energy, Sam Townsend
Introduction: Ask Not… Voices From Maine Addressing Climate Change And Energy, Sam Townsend
Maine Policy Review
No abstract provided.
Transportation And Climate Change, Jonathan Rubin
Transportation And Climate Change, Jonathan Rubin
Maine Policy Review
The transportation and residential sectors in Maine use a large proportion of fossil fuels, primarily petroleum products, and are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Jonathan Rubin’s article on transportation reviews mechanisms by which petroleum demand and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, emphasizing state and federal legislation to achieve these goals. He describes ways in which transportation systems will be affected by and have to adapt to climate change.
The Maine Woods: A Legacy Of Controversy, Richard W. Judd
The Maine Woods: A Legacy Of Controversy, Richard W. Judd
Maine Policy Review
In the Margaret Chase Smith Essay, Richard Judd reflects on the history of Maine’s North Woods. He discusses the divergent interests with a stake on the North Woods over the centuries, but notes that there has been a long-standing interest in conservation and in the heritage represented by this vast region.
Are The Economics Of A Sustainable Maine Forest Sustainable?, Mike Levert, Charles S. Colgan, Charles Lawton
Are The Economics Of A Sustainable Maine Forest Sustainable?, Mike Levert, Charles S. Colgan, Charles Lawton
Maine Policy Review
Mike LeVert, Charles Colgan and Charles Lawton discuss the transformation of the economic environment of Maine’s forests over the past two decades. Paper companies have sold most of their holdings; residential and conservation demand for land has increased; forestland prices have skyrocketed; and new classes of landowners have different strategies, objectives, and time horizons than the old industrial landowners. The authors believe that management of Maine’s forests must now address changes in the economic environment with the same intensity as threats such as the spruce budworm were addressed if we are to keep Maine’s forests as forests.
Public Access To Privately Owned Land In Maine, James M. Acheson
Public Access To Privately Owned Land In Maine, James M. Acheson
Maine Policy Review
In Maine, people have long used private land for recreation. James Acheson points out that this “open land” tradition—unique in the nation—has huge economic implications, especially for the state’s tourism industry. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in land posting, largely in response to abuses by the public. Although a number of different kinds of institutions have arisen to allow continued public access to private land, Acheson suggests that more needs to be done if Maine’s “open land” tradition is to be maintained
Snowmobiling In Maine: Past Successes, Future Challenges, David Vail
Snowmobiling In Maine: Past Successes, Future Challenges, David Vail
Maine Policy Review
With one snowmobile registration for every 15 residents, Maine may well have the most snowmobiles per capita of any U.S. state. Moreover, the state’s 12,000-mile network of groomed trails and its 2,500-mile Interconnected Trail System make it a major winter tourist attraction. Still, as David Vail points out—and as the number of snowmobile-related deaths confirms—such progress has not come without costs and conflict. Although Vail argues the benefits outweigh the costs, he suggests Maine should act now to alleviate the conflicts related to congestion, over use of the state’s major trails, noise and air pollution, and free riding by non-dues-paying …
Easements And Conservation Policy In The North Maine Woods, David J. Lewis
Easements And Conservation Policy In The North Maine Woods, David J. Lewis
Maine Policy Review
Recently Maine has embarked on a new policy direction in its use of conservation easements to protect large tracts of commercial timberland. David Lewis argues that the effectiveness of using easements as a long-term conservation policy depends on many factors that may not be fully considered in the decision-making process currently used in choosing easements for landscape-scale conservation. Lewis indicates that the root of the problem lies in the fact that the state lacks a comprehensive policy describing the conservation goals desired in the North Woods. Before progressing further, Lewis suggests that the ultimate goals of conservation need to be …
Maine Implements The Clean Air Act: Federalism, Environmentalism And Interest Group Accountability, Jon Reisman
Maine Implements The Clean Air Act: Federalism, Environmentalism And Interest Group Accountability, Jon Reisman
Maine Policy Review
The implementation of environmental policy initiatives often brings about a complex interplay between science and policy, public opinion, interest groups, federal and state mandates, and political machination. Jon Reisman uses Maine’s recent experience of compliance with the 1990 Clean Air Act to illustrate this complexity. In doing so, he addresses several important, but often ignored, issues, such as stakeholder participation in the policy making process, interest group accountability to implementation, and the long term consequences to the environment if these issues are avoided.
Electric Market Restructuring: Environmental Considerations, Armond Cohen
Electric Market Restructuring: Environmental Considerations, Armond Cohen
Maine Policy Review
In the past few years,Maine's electric utilities have begun to face the forces of competition.Maineis experiencing the effects of a national trend, a shift from a traditional and regulated system to a more innovative and competitive one. Armond Cohen explores the environmental impacts that are at stake in restructuring and offers some possible solutions. This article is taken from the author’s presentation at a December 1994 conference entitled ”Retail Wheeling,” sponsored by the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy's Project for the Study of Regulation and the Environment.
Why Conservation Matters And What We Can Do About It, John C. Sawhill
Why Conservation Matters And What We Can Do About It, John C. Sawhill
Maine Policy Review
While environmental and economic needs have long been considered to be in direct opposition to one another, a new approach to environmental conservation is emerging. Called the "ecosystem" approach, it focuses not only on protecting the environment and its species, but also seeks new ways of balancing these interests with human needs. The article is drawn from a speech delivered by John C. Sawhill at the Summer Lecture Series of the College of the Atlantic,Bar Harbor,Maine, on August 2, 1994. Sawhill outlines the conservation principles that guide The Nature Conservancy and provides examples of how the ecosystem approach has led …
The Complexities Of Decision-Making Related To Health Risk Assessments, Barbara A. Knuth
The Complexities Of Decision-Making Related To Health Risk Assessments, Barbara A. Knuth
Maine Policy Review
Maine, like the nation, has focused a great deal of recent attention on determining acceptable levels of environmental and human health risk. Barbara discusses the role and uses of scientific information in risk assessment and public policy debate. Similar to Kevin Boyle's previous article (featured in the December 1994 issue of Maine Policy Review), Knuth discusses the 1992 Maine Board of Environmental Protection hearings which focused on the human consumption of fish potentially contaminated with dioxin.
Retail Competition In The U.S. Electricity Industry, John P. Hughes
Retail Competition In The U.S. Electricity Industry, John P. Hughes
Maine Policy Review
The ever-increasing competitive nature of the electric utility business has been lent additional impetus by federal policies that mandate restructuring of the industry. John Hughes, writing from the perspective of large industrial consumers, offers a vision for restructuring the electric utility industry. He frames his vision in response to goals outlines in the California Public Utilities Commission’s proposal to restructure that state’s electric utility industry
Regulatory Updates: Great Pond Task Force, Nick Houtman
Regulatory Updates: Great Pond Task Force, Nick Houtman
Maine Policy Review
No abstract provided.
Maine’S Public Interest Groups: The Natural Resources Council Of Maine
Maine’S Public Interest Groups: The Natural Resources Council Of Maine
Maine Policy Review
The actors in public policy include not only elected and appointed public officials, but also the public interest groups that promote various agendas. To help understand the perspectives of some of these groups, Maine Policy Review continues its profile of Maine's public interest groups in each issue, featuring in this article the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Bridging The Gap Between Energy And The Environment, John Flumerfelt
Bridging The Gap Between Energy And The Environment, John Flumerfelt
Maine Policy Review
Energy and environmental policies have always been intertwined, but the exact nature of those interrelationships is often difficult for the non-technical reader to understand. In an analysis that was originally included in an appendix of the Report of the Maine Commission on Comprehensive Energy Planning, the former director of Maine's Office of Energy, John Flumerfelt, provides a clear and concise graphical summary of the relation between energy use and air pollution in Maine. His presentation frames the issues in ways that identify important energy and environmental questions for the state.