Best NRCMenvironment Podcasts (2025)

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How Organized Labor in Maine is Tackling Climate Change and Inequality 47:24

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27d ago47:24

47:24

Advancing more sources of homegrown renewable energy is our best step toward a more equitable clean energy future. The Maine Labor Climate Council (MLCC) is an important coalition partner that NRCM is collaborating with to advance this vision. Colin speaks with MLCC’s Francis Eanes and Cheyenne Gallivan about how they are growing coalition of publi…

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Remaking Maine: A Journey into Reuse 35:31

2M ago35:31

35:31

Maine is generating more waste per capita over time and studies estimate single-use packaging materials make up a large amount of the trash we send to landfills and incinerators. We’re joined by University of Maine professor Dr. Cindy Isenhour to discuss what Mainers can do about this by moving toward reusable packaging programs in restaurants and …

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Maine's Environment in the 2025 Legislative Session—Progress & Outcomes 42:43

3M ago42:43

42:43

The first session of the 132nd Maine Legislature has officially concluded, producing some big wins for clean energy and conservation, but also some mixed results and a few losses that were hard fought and disappointing. Colin speaks with Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim to break it all down and describe how our experts worked with partners and peop…

1
Preserving the Value and Benefits of Maine's Lakes and Ponds 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

Maine’s lakes are just as iconic as our rocky coastline. But lakes don’t just provide outstanding recreational experiences – they provide essential wildlife habitat and clean drinking water for thousands. Colin talks with Susan Gallo, the executive director of Maine Lakes, to learn more about lakes and ponds in Maine, what makes them so special, wh…

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Building a More Equitable, Accessible Transportation System for Maine 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Too many Mainers lack access to safe, affordable options to get where they need to go but it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s a better path forward. One where more Mainers have better choices for how they get to work, school, local businesses, and essential services. We speak with Zoe Miller, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Moving …

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Mainers Speak Out Against Federal Funding Cuts & Firings 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

In March 2025, a group of Mainers including federal workers, business and fishing groups, veterans, and a SNAP participant came together in Brewer, Maine, to speak about the real-world harm being inflicted by the chaotic decision-making of the Trump Administration. In this episode we bring you a recording of the event so you can hear directly from …

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Maine’s Increasingly Rare Old Growth Forests 35:03

7M ago35:03

35:03

Maine’s 10.4 million acres of Unorganized Territories (UT) are home to the last stronghold of remote, undeveloped ponds and scattered older growth forest stands in the eastern United States. We’re joined by Dr. John Hagan, a scientist and founder of Our Climate Common, to learn more about the vast forests of the North Woods. Hagan helped lead a res…

1
Maine's Environmental Priorities in the 2025 Legislative Session 54:43

8M ago54:43

54:43

BONUS EPISODE: A recording of our January webinar previewing the legislative priorities for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in 2025, including ways you can get involved. Join NRCM's policy experts as they explain the bills that we'll be supporting to advance progress for climate action, land conservation, and a healthy environment.…

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Talking Trails with Gabe Perkins of Inland Woods & Trails 40:48

8M ago40:48

40:48

Heading into 2025, many of us were inspired by the passage of the Maine Trails Bond in the November 2024 election, which united people and groups that haven’t always seen eye-to-eye but were united by their shared love of Maine’s outdoors. Gabe Perkins, the Executive Director of Inland Woods & Trails, joins the podcast to discuss the Trails Bond an…

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Maine's Environment in the 2024 Legislative Session 37:38

1+ y ago37:38

37:38

The last few years, our work at the State House in Augusta has delivered enormous progress for Maine’s environment. So, how is NRCM gearing up to continue this momentum and what are the priorities we’ve set for this year’s short legislative session? From curbing the use of polluting gas to encouraging reuse, investing in our trails, and tribal sove…

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Reducing Waste During the Holidays 30:32

2y ago30:32

30:32

It’s the holiday season, which means a lot of gifts, a lot of food, and….a lot of waste. Mainers by nature are frugal and don’t like waste. It’s part of who we are. But when we go to the store or buy online we’re faced with a deluge of plastic and other wasteful packaging. And it drives most of us crazy. What can we do about it? We speak with Laura…

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Climate Impacts Heighten Urgency to Act 35:16

2y ago35:16

35:16

The U.S. government recently released the Fifth National Climate Assessment, the nation’s preeminent policy-neutral report highlighting the latest science about climate change impacts, risks, and responses. We speak with David Reidmiller, the director of the Climate Center at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) who co-authored the Northeast…

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What Makes the Land for Maine's Future Program So Successful 22:06

2y ago22:06

22:06

The Land for Maine’s Future program is Maine’s most successful and popular land conservation program, helping to support hundreds of conservation projects that have exceptional natural or recreational value or support Maine’s heritage industries of farming, fishing, and forestry. In 2021, the Legislature appropriated $40 million in state funding fo…

1
Stronger Clean Car and Truck Standards Give Mainers More Choices 33:29

2y ago33:29

33:29

Zero-emission cars and trucks are becoming increasingly popular but many prospective buyers are finding that supply can’t keep up with demand. Stronger standards for clean cars and trucks would give consumers in Maine more opportunities to buy electric vehicles and slash toxic tailpipe pollution that is harming human health and making climate chang…

1
Maine's 2023 Legislative Session Wrap-Up 29:56

2y ago29:56

29:56

This year's legislative session was another strong demonstration of how Maine's strong conservation ethic continues to define our way of life, drive economic growth, and influence new laws passed at the State House in Augusta. Thousands of Mainers spoke up and took action to protect our environment, strengthen the resiliency of local communities, a…

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The Experience of Maine's Local Redemption Centers 27:12

2y ago27:12

27:12

The on-the-ground experience of local redemption center owners like Shandra Rubchinuk helped get the bill to modernize Maine's Bottle Bill across the finish line during this year's legislative session. Shandra, who is co-owner of Jansel Bottle Redemption in Winthrop, joins the podcast to speak about the challenges of operating redemption centers, t…

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Exploring Maine's State Parks and Campgrounds 30:00

2+ y ago30:00

30:00

In 2016, Ray and Danielle Ruby set a goal to visit every State Park and campground with their family…and they did it! Along the way they chronicled their travels with unvarnished reviews on their popular blog “Rubys on the Road.” Ray joins the podcast to talk about what makes Maine’s State Parks so special and get some insider tips from his family’…

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Every Body Belongs on the Water: A Conversation with Bri Dostie 33:00

2+ y ago33:00

33:00

The conservation movement and outdoor recreation have long been centered on a white, able-bodied dominant view, but here in Maine and throughout the country there's a movement to interrupt this pattern and instigate change. In this episode we speak with Bri Dostie, one of those Mainers pushing to create more welcoming, joyful spaces in the outdoor …

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What You Need to Know about Maine's Solar Success 29:30

2+ y ago29:30

29:30

Solar energy in Maine has grown seven-fold in the last few years. These projects are bringing enormous benefits to Mainers, including helping cash-strapped businesses and towns save money on electricity bills. We know more solar is needed to meet our climate goals, and it’s necessary to help buffer against the price spikes we’re experiencing from d…

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Modernizing Maine’s Bottle Bill 31:44

2+ y ago31:44

31:44

The Bottle Bill is a big part of Maine’s culture and environmental ethic. It’s also our most effective recycling and litter prevention program. And hundreds of Mainers have built their lives and small businesses around bottle redemption. But in the 45 years since it began a lot has changed. NRCM’s Sarah Nichols joins the podcast to talk about impro…

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Poetry in Nature 14:14

2+ y ago14:14

14:14

In celebration of National Poetry Month we rebroadcast a powerful poetry reading and discussion that former host Carly Peruccio had with Maine-based poet Richard Blanco for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In March of this year, Blanco was awarded with the National Humanities Medal by President Biden at the White House. We hope by rebroadcasting …

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Building a Bigger, Better Network of Trails Across Maine 32:00

2+ y ago32:00

32:00

Trails are part of what define the Maine experience. Although Maine currently has wonderful trails for hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, commuting, and other uses, many of our trails are in serious need of repair and maintenance. The Maine Trails Bond would be the State-funded grant program dedicated specifically to supporting trail development…

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Amphibians on the Move in Maine 14:56

2+ y ago14:56

14:56

The snow is melting, roads are getting muddier, and amphibians are on the move! We speak with University of Maine graduate student and 2022 Brookie Award winner Greg LeClair about amphibians in Maine, and in particular the annual spring migration they take to get to breeding habitat. Greg founded Maine Big Night, a community science project to coll…

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Wabanaki Nations' State of the Tribes Address 1:18:18

2+ y ago1:18:18

1:18:18

For the first time in two decades, the chiefs of the tribes in Maine appeared before a special joint session of the Legislature on March 16, 2023, for the Wabanaki Nations’ State of the Tribes address. In this episode, we give listeners an opportunity to hear the full remarks of the five chiefs during this historic moment. One of NRCM’s top priorit…

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Maine’s Heat Pump Success an Example for the Nation 28:00

2+ y ago28:00

28:00

More than 100,000 heat pumps have been installed by Mainers and every day more are installed. Without a doubt, heat pumps are a runaway success story for Maine, making our state an incredible example for the rest of the nation. We speak with Andy Meyer, Senior Program Manager at Efficiency Maine, about this exciting transition in how we heat and co…

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“Fly Rod” Crosby, Maine’s Legendary Outdoorswoman 27:45

2+ y ago27:45

27:45

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby might be Maine’s most famous Mainer you’ve never heard of, but a new statue unveiled in Augusta this week aims to educate more people about her legacy. Fly Rod was a skilled fly fisher and big promoter of Maine in the 1800s who became the state’s first Registered Maine Guide. Maine Master Guide Roger Lambert and Brent West…

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Meet Rebeccah Sanders, NRCM’s New CEO 26:45

2+ y ago26:45

26:45

Our new CEO Rebeccah Sanders has been on the job a little over a week and has hit the ground running, drawing on her two decades of executive nonprofit management experience in community-driven conservation work and her long-time love of Maine’s great outdoors. What has Rebeccah learned so far, and what is she looking forward to in the future for N…

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Bonus: Offshore Wind Bill Announcement 42:18

2+ y ago42:18

42:18

Bonus episode! On January 24, 2023, the Natural Resources Council of Maine joined with Senator Mark Lawrence, labor leaders, and conservation partners to announce a bill to boost floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine.By Natural Resources Council of Maine

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Previewing the Top Environmental Issues at the Maine State House 24:33

2+ y ago24:33

24:33

The State House in Augusta is once again bustling with activity, and NRCM’s experts have been hard at work identifying our top priorities for the 2023 legislative session that will protect Maine’s climate, water, wildlife, and outdoors. Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim joins the podcast to highlight some of the top environmental issues and bills we…

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Restoring Atlantic Rivers and Their Great Fish Migrations 44:19

2+ y ago44:19

44:19

Scientist, educator, and author John Waldman discusses how we can restore Maine’s rivers and the great fish migrations to which they were once home. Waldman’s talk was originally delivered at an online webinar NRCM hosted in December as part of our ongoing effort to support a free-flowing Kennebec River and bring back millions of sea-run fish, incl…

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Top 10 Good Environmental News Stories of 2022 25:55

3y ago25:55

25:55

It has been an exciting year marked by big accomplishments for Maine’s environment at the State House and beyond. Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim joins the podcast to highlight 10 areas of progress from 2022 that inspired and energized us. We hope our listeners enjoy these good news stories and it leaves you rejuvenated heading into the new year a…

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One Mainer’s Experience at the International Climate Conference in Egypt 17:40

3y ago17:40

17:40

NRCM Rising guest host Kate Shambaugh interviews 2020 Brookie Award winner Gabby Hillyer about her experience as part of the University of Maine delegation to the COP27 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Egypt that was help in mid-November 2022.By Natural Resources Council of Maine

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What Election Results Mean for Maine's Environment 21:18

3y ago21:18

21:18

On Tuesday November 8th, Maine voters delivered another bipartisan, pro-environment majority to the State House. What do those election results mean for our collective work to protect the nature of Maine? NRCM’s Interim CEO and Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim joins the podcast to provide our initial analysis of what the results of this year’s stat…

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Conservation Leadership Award Winner Speeches 27:23

3y ago27:23

27:23

Every year, NRCM honors environmental leaders in Maine with our Conservation Leadership Awards. The speeches recipients give at our annual event are full of heart, passion, and commitment. In this episode, you’ll hear the inspirational stories of this year's five CLA recipients: Project Puffin's Dr. Steve Kress, Portland & So. Portland sustainabili…

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Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy is Booming 20:17

3y ago20:17

20:17

Maine’s spectacular outdoors are central to our way of life, and nowhere is that more evident than in the state’s booming outdoor recreation industry. Outdoor recreation contributes $3 billion to Maine’s economy, making up 3.3%—more than double the national average in 2020. In this episode, Colin speaks with Jenny Kordick, the Executive Director of…

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Maine’s Clean Water Champions 16:22

3y ago16:22

16:22

On September 29th, hundreds of Mainers gathered on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Lewiston to honor some of Maine’s 100 Clean Water Champions and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We spoke with a few of the Champions for this podcast episode and asked them to share their unique connection to clean water in Maine. Togeth…

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Local Mainers Speaking Out Against Wolfden Mining Proposals 22:58

3y ago22:58

22:58

In this episode, Colin speaks with two Maine residents who live in completely different parts of the state but share a common threat facing the clean water where they live. Robin Hadlock Seeley worked to share information with residents in Pembroke to pass an ordinance banning Wolfden’s mining activities, and MaryAlice Mowry has been shining a ligh…

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What We Learned from Maine EV Owners 20:11

3y ago20:11

20:11

More Mainers than ever are driving electric vehicles, and more models are coming to market every year. In this episode, we speak with NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator Josh Caldwell to discuss what we learned from NRCM’s 2022 survey of every electric vehicle owner in Maine. This was our third and most popular survey—with a record-bre…

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Katahdin Woods & Waters Turns Six 29:49

3y ago29:49

29:49

This month, we’ll be joining many others in celebrating the sixth anniversary of the creation of the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. In this episode, we speak with Sam Deeran, Acting Executive Director of the Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, about the enormous success of the Monument, what’s changed in those six years, and what visito…

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What the Biggest Climate Investment in U.S. History Means for Mainers 31:48

3y ago31:48

31:48

Hope was renewed again in Washington D.C., when Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin announced a new deal to invest billions of dollars in clean energy and climate action. In this episode, we speak with experts at the Environmental Defense Fund and National Wildlife Federation to find out how the Inflation Reduction Act woul…

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A Conversation with Sunrise Movement Franklin County 15:26

3y ago15:26

15:26

In this episode, NRCM Rising Leadership Team member Kate Shambaugh speaks with Isabelle Rogers, Hub Organizer for Sunrise Movement Franklin County, which just celebrated its first anniversary. It is part of a national youth-led nonprofit made up of young activists working on environmental and social justice issues such as climate change. Learn more…

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SCOTUS Clean Air Decision and the Future of Maine’s Electric Grid 19:23

3y ago19:23

19:23

Maine leaders expressed outrage at a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting the ability of the federal government to reduce carbon pollution. NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro discusses what it means for Maine’s environment and also details an interesting new decision by the Public Utilities Commission that provides a snapshot …

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Corporations Trying to Exploit Maine’s Environment for Profit 26:36

3+ y ago26:36

26:36

Though NRCM’s work in the State House is done for the year, our role as watchdog for Maine’s environment never lets up. Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim speaks about some of the topics we’ll be following this summer. The unifying theme that emerges from the discussion is that many out-of-state corporations are trying to take advantage of Maine peop…

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American Aquafarms Too Big, Too Risky for Frenchman Bay 15:16

3+ y ago15:16

15:16

State agencies that were reviewing the American Aquafarms proposal to build a massive industrial salmon farm in Frenchman Bay recently announced they were terminating the project’s permit applications. But the company responded by saying they weren’t going away despite overwhelming opposition from local communities. In this episode, we speak with N…

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Clean Water for the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Spring Fish Migration Stories 24:02

3+ y ago24:02

24:02

Youth clean water activist and 2022 Brookie Award winner Noela Altvater speaks about her advocacy to ensure clean drinking water for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik. Learn more about this year’s six Brookies at brookieawards.org. Also, Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim reports back from a staff field trip to the Benton Falls fish lift and talks a…

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Protecting the Unique Character of the Moosehead Lake Region 28:23

3+ y ago28:23

28:23

A proposed land use plan for the Moosehead Lake region has been released that balances economic development with conservation. Forests & Wildlife Director Melanie Sturm discusses what the proposal means for the future of the Moosehead Lake area and how NRCM is working to protect the unique character of this special region. Advocacy Director Pete Di…

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Legislature Delivers Exciting Wins for Maine’s Environment 23:46

3+ y ago23:46

23:46

The second session of the 130th Legislature was marked by significant progress on a broad range of environmental issues, from clean water to climate action. Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim details the new laws that will benefit Maine’s environment and communities for years to come and highlights how several bipartisan votes for priority bills refl…

1
Encouraging Climate Change Education in Maine's Schools 20:34

3+ y ago20:34

20:34

Bangor High School students Kosis Ifeji and Ogechi Obi speak with NRCM Rising guest host Kate Shambaugh about their journey as climate activists and discuss their efforts to pass LD 1902, a bill to encourage climate change education in Maine public schools. As a climate action leader, Maine has identified the need for climate education – but teache…

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Legislative Environmental Priorities Status Report 21:46

3+ y ago21:46

21:46

With about one month left in Maine’s legislative session, NRCM’s Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim joins the podcast to provide a status report on how NRCM’s environmental priority bills are doing. Several bills have received positive outcomes at committees and will soon be voted on by the House and Senate, while details about a few others — includi…

1
The Climate Connection to Housing and Utility Accountability 22:28

3+ y ago22:28

22:28

The latest international climate report included bleak warnings about the impacts of climate change accelerating faster than anticipated. But scientists also left us with a sliver of hope, making clear that if the world acts quickly on climate, we have a chance at avoiding some of the worst impacts. Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro join…