Category: In the news

Just as pressing as the health concerns of the coronavirus pandemic are the economic concerns facing Maine. The Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee has just rolled out its state action plan. We talk with the committee’s leaders to find out what steps Maine will take, now and in the years to come, to create a healthy… Read more »

This year, many fishermen and fishing cooperatives used social media to market directly to their communities as the traditional channels for seafood sales dried up with the closure of restaurants and foodservice outlets. It was not uncommon to see posts from customers seeking deals, cheap seafood and the “best price.” How do you factor the… Read more »

ROCKLAND — The Island Institute is one of five organizations in the country recently awarded a contract for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), a new partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to provide resources and access to on-the-ground support for remote and islanded communities in the United States seeking to transform… Read more »

“My only concern is if we do go red [status] and we’re fully remote, can my internet keep up with all the computers working around the clock?” asked Amy McGee of West Gardiner—a mom of five kids, all of whom are learning from home. “I had some trouble with the hot spot at home trying… Read more »

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 »