Category: In the news

Ask experts about cutting vehicular emissions — the largest source of Maine’s greenhouse gas pollution — and you’re apt to hear how complex the task is. Finding ways to equitably transition from gas-powered to electric vehicles, develop a modernized grid and broadband network, and combat sprawl do demand a daunting confluence of innovative policies, technology and— yes — money.… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Program (ETIPP), a new partnership that will provide resources and access to on-the-ground support for remote and islanded communities in the United States seeking to transform their energy systems and lower their vulnerability to energy disruptions. This cross-sector initiative will build on… Read more »

As the evidence and costly impacts of climate change mount, the need to view climate action as an economic imperative — not just an environmental one — is increasingly clear. By working to guard its downtown from rising tides and flooding, with the help of a multi-million dollar federal grant, the town of Damariscotta is… Read more »

Nick Battista, senior policy officer at the Island Institute, has been appointed chair of the ConnectMaine Authority’s board. ConnectMaine’s mission is to facilitate the universal availability of broadband to all Maine households and businesses. Establishing criteria defining areas with inadequate service, supporting investments in broadband, and administering funds are all duties of ConnectMaine. Battista has… Read more »

Luke’s Lobster and the Island Institute have partnered to build an e-commerce platform for wild and farmed seafood producers throughout Maine. The partnership, announced Wednesday, responds to diminished market demand during the pandemic, when many restaurants have been closed. The goal is to build new markets and increase the availability of lobster, crab, scallops, oysters… Read more »

Maine’s seafood industry is getting a $2.5 million investment aimed at making the seafood supply chain more resilient and giving fishermen and aquaculturists a broader online market during the coronavirus pandemic. The Island Institute, Luke’s Lobster and Silicon Valley Community Foundation said on Wednesday that they will put up the money and partner to expand… Read more »

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – The new chair of an authority that seeks to expand broadband in Maine is a policy specialist from an organization that works on sustainability for Maine’s island and coastal communities. State officials say Island Institute senior policy officer Nick Battista is the new chair of ConnectMaine Authority. The authority is tasked… Read more »

We know that climate change is dangerously affecting our planet. The topic of climate change can seem overwhelming, and our goal is to use these discussions as a jumping off point for a series of locally-grounded and useful material that Mainers will find helpful in thinking through how the climate crisis is affecting their communities.… Read more »

ROCKLAND — The Island Institute recently promoted several program staff to leadership positions within the community development organization. Kendra Jo Grindle was recently promoted to the position of Senior Community Development Officer, serving as both the Strategic Lead and Project Lead for the Broadband Team as well as the Strategic Lead for the Sea Level Rise Team.… Read more »

Sea-level rise due to global warming along the coast of Maine is increasing at a rapid pace, with some estimates predicting levels to rise by as much as two feet by 2050. We’ll discuss what is causing the waters to rise more quickly, how it will impact coastal communities and structures, and what towns and… Read more »