SC Maine in the News

 
“Mainers understand that their future – their economic and quality-of-life futures – depend upon clean oceans and clean beaches, and are vehemently opposed to opening the Gulf of Maine and the North Atlantic to oil and gas drilling,” said Glen Brand with Sierra Club Maine.
 

"Glen Brand, director of a Sierra Club chapter in Maine, said in an interview that the growth of virtual currencies such as bitcoin “threatens progress we are making toward moving toward a low energy, low carbon economy.”
How is the growth of bitcoin affecting the environment?,Washington Post, January 1, 2018.

Glen Brand, the chapter director for Sierra Club in Maine, pointed out another area where the MIT researchers could have delved deeper, or considered different aspects of how the traditional and/or modern shopper works. “The assumption is that you are driving a gas-powered car,” Brand said. The more people drive electric vehicles, the less their shopping carbon footprint would be. Not everyone can afford (or wants) an electric vehicle, but, Brand said, “If everybody had an EV, that is going to help, but not solve the problem.” When Brand does his shopping, he does as much of it as he can in person and by foot. He’s got the advantage of living in an urban setting (Portland). “But I can’t walk everywhere for everything, even living in the most urban part of Maine.” When he has to drive, he tries to combine errands into one trip. Like the majority of Americans, 64 percent according to that same Pew Research Center study, Brand prefers to buy from physical stores than online. Even if the trend is toward online, people like to touch things and have social interactions around them. And that’s the last strike against this study that the Mainers we called brought up: it doesn’t take into consideration the economic and social benefits of downtowns and bricks and mortar shopping. “There is a reason why people shop in downtown Portland,” Brand said. “Because they enjoy being around people, and they want to look at the lights and walk.” “We had a good model,” Brand said, referring to the tightly clustered shops of true downtowns. “We screwed it up. It is clear to everyone that if you shop online only, then it fundamentally weakens and deteriorates downtowns.”

The truth about your online shopping carbon footprint, Portland Press Herald, December 17, 2017.

Maine Voices: We need to protect our Maine railroad lines for train service, Portland Press Herald, November 28, 2017. [Op-ed by Sierra Club Maine volunteer leaders Tony Donovan and Paul Weiss]

“But rally organizers, including Glen Brand of the Sierra Club, also saw the commission's 3-2 decision to reject TransCanada's preferred route as a partial victory. "This sets up another whole series of bureaucratic hurdles, where we are going to be - Sierra Club certainly is going to be - suing, but there are many ways to intervene in the process," Brand says. "We've been at this for years and we intend to double our efforts to stop the pipeline."
Maine Opponents Protest Advance Of Keystone Pipeline Project, Maine Public Radio.  November 21, 2017.

"Sierra Club has honored U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree for leadership on environmental issues. Pingree was presented the "Public Service to the Environment" award for her work on environmental, health, safety and sustainable agricultural issues. Club leader Becky Bartovic said Pingree is the owner of an organic farm and understand the relationship between a clean environment and the health and well-being of people. Pingree said she's worried about the environment that grandchildren will inherit and "dismayed that so many in Washington are ignoring the danger signs at our peril." The award was presented on Nov. 3 at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester."
Sierra Club Honors US Rep. Chellie Pingree, Associated Press, Nov. 12, 2017.

Op-Ed by Sierra Club Maine Executive Team Members Bev Roxby and Olin Jenner.
Maine does not need a natural gas pipeline from Quebec, Portland Press Herald. October 20, 2017.

"Another build in Portland proper, sponsored by the Portland Climate Action Team of Sierra Club, Maine, in partnership with the West End Neighborhood Association, starts Oct. 15 and runs through the 26th. It’s too late to sign up to get inserts, but you can still volunteer to help with the build."
Portland Press Herald, October 1, 2017. 

Climate change activists from all parts of Maine met Saturday for the Sierra Club's Maine Grassroots Climate Action Conference at the University of Southern Maine's Lewiston campus.
Maine Grassroots Climate Change Action Conference draws activists statewide, Lewiston Sun Journal, September 16, 2017.

“Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, said the vote means that Maine will continue to lag behind other states in developing local, reliable and affordable solar power. “It also means more carbon and toxic air pollution and dependence on dangerous, dirty and expensive fossil fuels,” Brand said.”
“Solar bill fades as House heeds CMP claims of higher electricity rates,” Portland Press Herald, August 2, 2017.

"On one side, the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club was emailing Action Alerts to its members, asking them to contact lawmakers. “Don’t let the sun set on Maine solar power!” it pleaded. Solar installers, including those who work in other states, also were questioning CMP’s motives and tactics."
Flurry of lobbying blurs solar bill’s chances, Portland Press Herald, July 30, 2017.

"Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club in Maine, said that’s technically true of oil or coal or natural gas, too. He said his group “strongly contests the idea that it’s carbon neutral.” Brand said he doesn’t doubt that biomass is cleaner than traditional fossil fuels, but energy efficiency, wind and solar power are better ways to reduce carbon emissions and are becoming cheaper."
 
"After attending a Sierra Club training session, Pardales worked with the Global Action and Green Voices clubs at the high school to promote awareness of bottled water waste. That included passing out “Take Back the Tap” stickers for reusable water bottles."  
Portland Press Herald, June 4, 2017.

“Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter, is no fan of the plastic chair, on multiple levels. There’s the pollution involved in how plastics are made (“highly toxic”) and the issues with environmental standards in many of the places they are made. Brand would go with the wood, the more local the better. “There are no pure choices when it comes to these products,” he added. “There’s no free lunch. Every product has some environmental downside.” 
Is it ok to buy super cheap plastic Adirondack chair, Portland Press Herald, May 28, 2017.

Sierra Club of Maine member Joan Saxe, from Freeport, was one of the many people who had gathered a few articles of plastic from the beach. The simple act of holding hands across the shore speaks volumes, she said. “Typically everyone holds hands and just contemplates the beauty of what we have here,” Saxe said. “We all gather like this to show we don’t want offshore drilling, we want funding of NOAA and for the government to recognize that. This is such a great way of getting people out and talking about the importance of protecting the environment.”
'Hands Across the Sand' comes to Kennebunk, Journal Tribune, May 22, 2017. 

"Berry’s bill is among a handful of other efforts this session meant to advance the use of solar power. But this one is getting the hardest push from environmental groups that include the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club. They held a well-attended rally outside the Cross Office Building before the hearing, hoping to get their members to put pressure on legislators to support solar."“Customers’ Bills At Center Of Fierce Debate Over Incentives For Maine Rooftop Solar”, Portland Press Herald, May 4, 2017.

 
Tony Donovan, from Sierra Club Maine, said the state needs to incentivize the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, not penalize people who want to be environmentally responsible. If fixing the roads is the goal, the state should base its highway tax on weight, so vehicles that do the most damage on roads pay the appropriate amount to fix them, Donovan said. “Maybe heavy vehicles should pay their fair share,” he said.
 
“By rejecting Trump’s extreme Supreme Court nominee, Sen. Angus King is helping to build the Senate firewall against Trump’s anti-democratic, anti-civil rights, and anti-environmental agenda,” said Glen Brand, director of Maine’s chapter of the Sierra Club.
Sen. King’s opposition to Gorsuch is detail-driven and personal, Bangor Daily News, April 5, 2017.
Demonstators send strong message to Maine Senators at protest in Portland (ABC affiliate story), April 2, 1017.Constituents gather outside of city hall to protest gorsuch (CBS affiliate story), April 2, 2017.Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director Glen Brand speech at anti-Gorsuch Rally in Portland, April 2, 2017."Before Collins announced her decision, a coalition of Maine organizations called on Sens. Collins and Angus King to reject Gorsuch. The opponents, including the Maine AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, the Maine Women’s Lobby, Equality Maine, the Maine NAACP and Sierra Club Maine, sent letters to King and Collins urging them to vote no when Gorsuch’s confirmation comes up for full Senate action.
Collins announces she will support Gorsuch for Supreme Court, Portland Press Herald, March 28. 2017.Environmental stewards should stand together against Gorsuch, Portland Press Herald, March 25, 2017. [Op-Ed by Sierra Club volunteer leader Ken Cline].“News of Trump’s proposed cuts and Lincoln’s peril drew Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club, to call on the state’s federal delegation to oppose the cuts. Maine lawmakers should “require polluters to put money in a fund for future clean up so something like this never happens again.”  “It’s outrageous that taxpayers have been forced to pay for the cleanup of the Lincoln paper toxic site,” Brand said in a statement released Friday. “This sad case also underscores the irresponsibility of the Trump administration’s proposed drastic cuts to environmental protection programs like cleanup of toxic sites.”
Lincoln wants feds to help pay for $20 million cleanup at former mill, Bangor Daily News, March 17, 2017.“A rogue Supreme Court could undermine all of progress we have made on climate protection and other air and water health standards,” said Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director. “We are counting on Senators King and Collins to use their constitutional responsibility to prevent President Trump from placing unqualified extremists in positions of power that can affect us for decades.”
Senator Angus King heard concerns over Supreme Court pick Neil Gorsuch, Portland Phoenix, March 5, 2017. Lawmakers push to expand passenger rail, WCSH TV (Portland), March 2, 2017."Expanding freight and passenger train service in Maine. That’s what the Sierra Club and a group of lawmakers was proposing at the State House today. Some of the bills on the table include sending a major rail bond to voters, enhancing the state Passenger Rail Authority and seeking federal train funding. They also discussed the potential of bringing a rail to Bangor.  Tony Donovan, of the Sierra Club says, “The new tax revenues that are expected from the sales of recreational marijuana, we see as an opportunity to fund investments in passenger rail, as a way to support free transportation, particularly for the agricultural industry.” The Sierra Club hopes to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of public investments in rail infrastructure with the package of proposed bills."
Proposed Bill Expanding Maine Freight and Passenger Train Service, WABI (Bangor), March 2, 2017.Environmentalists and conservation advocates are lending their support to a number of bills that would promote the expansion of freight and passenger rail service to more areas of the state. During a State House press conference Thursday, Tony Donovan of the Sierra Club said support is building for approval of a $50 million bond package to fund rail infrastructure improvement along with a number of other bills, including one tied to Maine’s recreational marijuana law.  “The new tax revenues that are expected from the sale of recreational marijuana we see as an opportunity to fund investment in passenger rail, as a way of supporting freight transportation, particularly for the agricultural industry, trying to tie marijuana as an agricultural product to supporting agriculture in the state of Maine,” he said.
Bills Would Support Expanded Statewide Rail Service, Maine Public Radio, March 2, 2017. The Sierra Club applauded Collins Wednesday. “Today, Senator Collins took a stand for families across Maine by opposing this dangerous nomination that would be a threat to our clean air, clean water, and public health,” Glen Brand, director of the group’s Maine chapter, said in a statement.
“Collins to vote against Trump’s EPA pick,” The Hill, ​February 15, 2017.“If confirmed, Scott Pruitt would be the most dangerous administrator to head the EPA in history,” Glen​ ​Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter, said Wednesday. “He denies climate change and has regularly conspired with the fossil fuel industry to attack life-saving EPA public health protections. With his many conflicts of interest, he cannot be trusted to lead an agency that is charged with putting people, not polluters, first.”
Collins says she will vote against EPA nominee Pruitt, Portland Press Herald, February 15, 2017. "Both Collins and King’s offices have been inundated with calls and letters critical of Pruitt and other cabinet choices in recent weeks. Collins’ Portland office has also been the scene of several demonstrations against the EPA nominee. At a recent Super Bowl-themed protest, Glen Brand of the Sierra Club said he hoped Collins would vote against Pruitt. “But we’re going to be here a lot,” he said. “Because there’s going to be opportunities for her to stand up for Maine repeatedly and show her true independence.”
‘I Will Vote No’ — Susan Collins Says She’ll Oppose Scott Pruitt to Lead the EPA, Maine Public Radio, February 15, 2017.  "The phenomenal boom in U.S. solar is being driven by dramatically lowering solar costs, to the point where solar is in many cases now the most affordable power and smartest investment for homeowners, businesses, and cities," said Glen Brand, Maine chapter director for the Sierra Club. "And this is despite the enormous subsidies for dirty fossil fuels and the coordinated attacks on state solar policy by monopoly, private utilities."
U.S. Solar Surges in Record-Breaking Quarter, EcoWatch, December 15, 2016"Sierra Club is preparing with our allies an unprecedented effort to stop Trump’s administration from undoing the progress we’ve made on addressing climate disruption and other issues. Despite the election results, we know that the vast majority of Mainers and Americans still want to move away from dirty fossil fuel dependence towards 100-percent clean, renewable energy in the next generation, and they also want to preserve our nation’s clean air and water safeguards.Sierra Club Maine is scaling up our Climate Action Team (or CAT) program. The CAT program – active now in 10 communities including Kezar Falls, Dover-Foxcroft, Brunswick, Portland and Bangor – supports citizens to organize with their neighbors around town-based climate solutions, like community and municipal solar projects, energy efficiency, waste reduction and much more. These efforts demonstrate that when people come together, they not only improve their communities, but they also provide models for other towns and build public support for statewide solutions.The election results cannot stop the clean energy revolution, which is underway everywhere, and Trump cannot prevent states and cities from advancing the clean energy economy and sustainable policies. But it’s true that we are in uncharted territory. I take strength from the fact that we successfully stood up to George W. Bush’s anti-environmental agenda and, with our supporters’ help and by building broad, diverse coalitions, we are going to stand up to Trump."--Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director
"Trump has been elected, so what’s next for the sustainability?" Portland Press Herald, November 27, 2016.  "Either way, Glen Brand of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club says environmental activists will be ready. “We responded during the George W. Bush era successfully, to limit or stop his anti-environmental agenda, and we’re going to do that again with Trump. I’m confident of that,” he says. Brand says environmentalists will play defense on the national level, but they’ll push to make progress in their own states. What’s encouraging, Brand says, is that the Sierra Club and other environmental groups have been energized by the recent election. “I can tell you that volunteers have been coming to the Sierra Club, responding, they want to get involved. People sense that this is the time to get engaged. It’s meaningful on a personal level and it’s important to be with people who share your values to help move the ball forward,” he says.Maine Public Radio, November 18, 2016. "The two also highlighted some of their endorsements, Breen citing former state Sens. Richard Woodbury and Gerald Davis, who have also held her seat, as well as the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club."
The Forecaster, October 26, 2016."Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Somerville, has received a perfect score from Maine Conversation Voters, as well as the endorsement of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, the country’s largest grassroots environmental organization. Their support recognizes the senator’s record in protecting the state’s environment, encouraging clean energy and local food production, and working to defend Maine’s conservation programs.Maine Conservation Voters and Sierra Club Support Johnson
Lincoln County News, October 11, 2016 Great profile of Sierra Club Maine volunteer leader Rep. Mick Devin
Lincoln County News, October 5, 2016."Glen Brand, director of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, said the worsening drought is consistent with extreme weather expected to be brought on by climate change. “I would not say, ‘Oh, this drought was caused by warming pollution.’ No one could say that with any scientific legitimacy,” Brand said. “But what scientists are telling us is that long periods of drought are one of the manifestations of worsening climate disruption.”
Drought Conditions Dramatically Expand Reach Across Maine, Portland Press Herald, September 30, 2016.
"In the mid-1980s Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, started visiting his wife’s family at their camp near Moosehead Lake. The fair was one of those temptations tugging at summer-only visitors. 'Sadly, we’d have to close camp before Labor Day, and our sorrow leaving Maine each year was made worse when we saw the lovely Common Ground posters. So when we moved to Maine in 2004, one of our must-do’s was going to Common Ground the following fall, and we’ve been there nearly every year since. My most vivid memories of the fair are a collection of beautiful images: my two young children running free, the cornucopia of apple varieties, the amazing shepherd dogs at work, the small animals, the food, and most of all the people celebrating Maine’s joyful harvest.'"
Remembering 40 Years at the Common Ground Fair, Portland Press Herald, September 18, 2016.
The Penobscot Nation and Maine climate activists are calling on President Barack Obama to stop a proposed $3.8 billion pipeline in South Dakota. June Sapiel and Dawn Neptune Adams from the Penobscot tribe are among speakers demanding action at an event Saturday in Portland. The event was co-sponsored by Sierra Club, Maine Peoples Alliance, 350 Maine, and Food and Water Watch.
Maine tribe decries four state Dakota Access Pipeline, Maine Public Radio, September 17, 2016. 

“The Ocean Avenue solar project is a major step forward for the City of Portland’s commitment to clean renewable power. Sierra Club’s Portland Climate Action Team is proud to have played an important role in initiating and supporting this historic project, and we are looking forward to working with the City on a plan to dramatically scale up solar in Portland,” Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director Glen Brand said in a press release.
"Portland council votes to negotiate deal to build solar array at landfill," Portland Press Herald, September 7, 2016.

"A coalition that supports passenger rail service will hold a public forum Thursday in Portland on a proposed train service linking Portland, Lewiston and Montreal. The event will feature a presentation on the state of passenger rail and next steps for the proposal. The forum will be held at Stroudwater Distillery at Thompson’s Point at 6 p.m. A passenger rail link between the three cities has been considered for years. Last year, the Legislature and cities of Lewiston and Auburn provided funding to draw up a service development plan, said Tony Donovan of the Maine Rail Transit Coalition. The plan would include possible route maps, stop locations and equipment, Donovan said. Speakers at the forum will include Donovan, representatives from AARP and the Sierra Club, Dr. Monika Bissell from the Maine College of Health Professionals and Montreal train advocate Francois Rebello. The event will be introduced by Portland City Manager Jon Jennings. The event is free and open to the public."
"Advocates to hold forum on Portland-Lewiston-Montreal rail service," Portland Press Herald, August 30, 2016. 

"It’s time to expand passenger train service in Maine. The Amtrak Downeaster connecting Brunswick to Boston demonstrates the demand for and benefits of this clean, efficient transportation choice in the Pine Tree State. However, we need a modern train system that connects to more Maine communities, and eventually to Montreal."
Maine Voices: All should be aboard for Maine-to-Montreal train with stop in Lewiston, by Tony Donovan and Olin Jenner.  Portland Press Herald, August 31, 2016.

"Environmental and conservation organizations across the country – from Maine-based RESTORE: The North Woods and Environment Maine to the Sierra Club and the National Parks Conservation Association – cheered the creation of the new monument."
Obama creates National Monument in Maine's North Woods," Portland Press Herald, August 24, 2016. 

“Completing the proposed solar installation on the Ocean Avenue landfill to supply energy for city buildings and operations would be an excellent way to demonstrate leadership. The project, planned for this year yet put in doubt by the solar bill’s defeat, would make an otherwise unusable area vital and productive. Installing a solar array at the Ocean Avenue landfill will send a message that’s consistent with Portland’s reputation as a forward-thinking city. 
It’s time for Portland to assume a leadership role on solar energy, Portland Press Herald, July 1, 2016. 

Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine, said dam removal is generally an important and effective way to restore water quality and ecosystems in bodies of water, though it is not unusual for opposition to arise in the process, particularly among property owners who in some instances might have valid concerns.

“The most important action to restore habitat and the health of our rivers is to remove dams, particularly poorly sited ones,” said Brand, who said he was not familiar with the situation in Vassalboro. “There are thousands of examples of dam removal as a part of a restoration plan for rivers, and it’s been very successful all over the country.”

Dam removal can cause a shift in wildlife populations, but in general it should not be a concern, Brand said. “When a river is damned, it creates an unnatural environment,” he said. “A free flowing river will create its own habitat. Over years rivers change, some habitat gets moved, wetlands are created, wetlands are dried, that’s what will happen when the river is flowing freely — it will find its own equilibrium. In turn, the habitat will be more inviting to more species.”

Of the situation in Vassalboro, Brand said, “I think it’s understandable what the property owners’ fears might be, and I think the solution to that is to really get more information on what the projections would be after the dams are removed.”

“As far as the benefits, absolutely, the benefits to the environment are unqualified,” he said. “Dam removal is the key part of restoring our rivers to their healthiest state, and that in turn has multiple economic and environmental benefits.”
Vassalboro residents protest Masse Dam removal, Kennebec Journal, June 30, 2016.

From Gov. LePage’s very first days in office, his administration has waged an unprecedented campaign against Maine’s environmental protections and values. The great majority of Mainers reject the governor’s simplistic and false opposition of jobs versus the environment. The common-sense truth is that Maine’s economy depends upon protecting our conservation heritage and maintaining a safe and clean environment.

The governor’s environmental policies are consistently outmoded and self-defeating. A case in point is his irrational opposition to necessary clean energy development like solar and wind. His veto of the 2016 solar bill, for example, not only prevented new solar jobs but also threatened existing jobs in this growing sector. According to his own public advocate, the solar bill would have significantly reduced ratepayer energy costs. Contrast this with the governor’s hypocritical support of direct taxpayer subsidies for the struggling biomass industry.

Another notable example is LePage’s belief that metallic mining on Bald Mountain would be a net benefit for the economy. The Legislature rejected this proposal because it would simply give a major corporation short-term profits at the long-term expense of a legacy of toxic pollution.

Beyond environmental issues, Mainers recognize an all-too-familiar pattern of the governor’s irresponsible, abusive behavior. Whether his target is the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s donors or Speaker Mark Eves, he is misusing the power of his office to wage a baseless campaign against his political opponents.

Sadly, Gov. LePage is reminding us once again why he has become a state and national embarrassment.

--Becky Bartovics, Tony Donovan, Executive Committee chair and vice chair, Sierra Club Maine"
Letter to the editor: LePage’s environmental policies don’t make sense, Portland Press Herald, July 2, 2016. 

"The group of petitioners to the PUC included owners of Sundog Solar in Searsport, Insource Renewables in Pittsfield, ReVision Energy in Portland and Liberty, companies such as Allagash Brewing, the Mt. Abram ski area, and other groups such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Sierra Club of Maine."
Fearing threat, Maine solar industry asks regulators not to change policies, Bangor Daily News, June 17, 2016.

"Meil said an endorsement from Sierra Club of Maine is an honor that reflects exactly why she is running: to be an informed, thoughtful steward of the state's vast natural resources, and a visionary leader on clean energy policies that lower costs, create jobs, and protect the environment."

“Governor LePage’s letter is part of an all-too-familiar pattern of irresponsible, abusive behavior.  Whether his target is NRCM or Speaker of the House Mark Eves, he is once again misusing the power of his office, in this case using taxpayer dollars, to wage a baseless campaign against his political opponents," said Glen Brand of the Sierra Club Maine. "The content of his NRCM letter is full of falsehoods and attacks against Mainers’ strong environmental ethic and our common-sense understanding that Maine’s economy depends upon protecting our conservation heritage and maintaining a safe and clean environment.Governor LePage is reminding us once again why he has become a state and national embarrassment​.​"​
NRCM blasts Gov. LePage for wasting tax payer funds on his smear campaigns, Maine Insights, June 3, 2016

​"Local conservation groups, including the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, are calling for President Obama to designate the area as a national monument as an interim step towards establishing a national park. Some of America’s most loved and iconic national parks, including Grand Teton, Acadia, and Zion National Parks, were first protected as national monuments."
​Utah Congressman Wants To Block Proposed National Monument In Maine, Think Progress, May 24, 2016.

“Today is really important, a historic opportunity, to make it clear that Mainers from all across the state want a new Maine woods national monument,” said Sierra Club Maine Director Glen Brand before the bus pulled out. When asked if he thought opinions of residents two hours south of the proposed site should have a say in the matter, he shrugged and said, “We’re all Mainers, and we all care. We all take special pride in our natural landscape.”
Portland Area Residents Want Their Voices Heard in National Monument Debate, Bangor Daily News, May 16, 2016. 

Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, said South Portland’s proposal would provide a model for other Maine communities. “South Portland’s action is an example of much-needed local leadership on clean energy during an era of backward thinking and obstructionism on energy and climate issues,” Brand said.
"South Portland considers zoning changes to promote, regulate solar arrays," Portland Press Herald, May 4, 2016.

"At the Center for Ecology-Based Economy on Monday, April 4, representatives from the Maine Rail Transit Coalition and Sierra Club Maine urged attendees to call on their legislators and the Maine Department of Transportation commissioner to help bring passenger rail to western Maine."

Also supporting were Sierra Club Maine, Maine Audubon, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and the Conservation Law Foundation. Both Maine’s investor-owned utilities (IOUs), Central Maine Power (CMP) and Emera Maine, have also endorsed the bill. The Maine Council of Churches and the American Lung Association jumped on the bandwagon as well.
"How Maine's power players are reacting to its pathbreaking new solar proposal," Utility Drive, March 24, 2016.

“Unfortunately, the utilities like CMP are opposed to net metering. They’re trying to get rid of it. We don’t want to see that happen. We want to make sure that solar continues to grow in Maine,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter.
"Groups Petitioning Against Bill to End Solar “Net Metering”, WABI-TV, February 11, 2016. 

"Sierra Club Maine on Wednesday announced that it will support efforts to have President Barack Obama designate about 87,500 acres east of Baxter State Park owned by the family of entrepreneur Roxanne Quimby a national monument as a step toward the creation of a national park."
"Sierra Club Maine to support national monument as step to park," Bangor Daily News, January 6, 2016.  

Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter, called on the PUC to release the data. “We believe it is irresponsible for the PUC to hide important information that a highly credible source says is distorting the decision-making process in favor of (natural gas) at the expense of clean energy, public health, our environment, and Maine rate payers."
PUC data at center of bias allegations to remain secret indefinitely, Portland Press Herald, January 3, 2016. 

"Environmental advocates, including those with the Sierra Club and the NRCM, note that the installation of clean energy, along with increased energy efficiencies, help in reducing the demand on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Those advocates said that retooling the way solar producers are compensated with net metering systems should be a careful and deliberate move."
"Solar advocates rally Maine PUC contemplates policy changes," Lewiston Sun Journal, Decebmer 9, 2015.

"But getting stakeholders that include Central Maine Power, Gov. Paul LePage, Sierra Club Maine and national solar installers represented by the Alliance for Solar Choice in agreement won’t be easy. Representatives from Sierra Club Maine, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Alliance for Solar Choice defended the merits of net metering, as well as a study done for the PUC that showed an outsized value for rooftop solar, based on stable fuel prices and other external measures. Solar advocates want net metering to remain an option for homes and small businesses, saying it has driven an industry that has created thousands of jobs nationwide."
"Solar power advocates rally while task force ponders Maine-policy," Portland Press Herald, December 9, 2015.

Radio program on Sierra Club Maine' Climate Action Team Program.
"Maine Currents," WERU, December 2, 2015.  

Following a keynote speech by Unity College president Stephen Mulkey, a panel discussion including Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director Glen Brand.
"Climate change and our Economy: A Positive Vision for Maine."  Broadcast on Maine Public Radio, December 2, 2015.  [audio file]

"That's why Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club's Maine chapter, says the Paris talks are so important. "We're really optimistic, in part, because of what the Obama Administration has done to set real high goals for itself to lead by example, to set carbon reduction standards that are really ambitious and meaningful," he says. "The second thing is that they've worked hard to secure similar agreements from the big carbon polluters like China and India."

So, for the first time, Brand says there is an opportunity to strike a deal that would be global in nature. And the Sierra Club is sending a delegation to share strategies with other nongovernmental organizations that have been used to address climate change locally. "We will talk about our Cool Cities program, how 26 towns and cities signed the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement and created plans to reduce their carbon emissions." says Claudia King, a Sierra Club volunteer from Falmouth.”
Mainers Preparing for UN Climate Change Conference,” Maine Public Radio, November 23, 2015.

Environmental and health groups, including the Sierra Club and the American Lung Association, praised the Maine senators’ Tuesday votes. “The CPP will protect our air and water from fossil fuel pollution while promoting the necessary transition to a clean energy economy, bringing good jobs and more opportunities to Mainers from advanced energy technologies like solar and wind,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter.
"Collins, King oppose GOP bid to roll back Obama emissions rules," Bangor Daily News, November 18, 2015.

"Nearly three quarters of all Mainers polled favor EPA's historic Clean Power Plan, which would set the first carbon pollution standards for power plants in our nation's history," says Glen Brand, of Maine's chapter of Sierra Club. Brand says the group commissioned the poll in states with "swing senators," such as Maine's Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
"Poll: Majority of Mainers Support EPA's Clean Power Plan,"  Maine Public Radio, November 13, 2015.

Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club, noted his western counterparts’ complaint against Weyerhaeuser when asked about the merger on Monday. “It raises somewhat of a red flag for us,” Brand said. “We’ll be carefully monitoring and watching to see that sound, sustainable forestry practices are used in Maine.”
“Business as usual’ expected in Maine under Plum Creek-Weyerhaeuser merger,” Portland Press Herald, November 9, 2015.

"Representatives from Sierra Club Maine, and the Natural Resource Council of Maine were also present to voice support for the movement. “The costs of plastic bags are very real from an environmental and economic perspective,” said Glen Brand, chapter director for Sierra Club Maine. “There’s nothing free about plastic bags.” 
"Brunswick BYOB Reaches Signature Goal," Coastal Journal, October 15, 2015.

"Plastics are often “deadly to wildlife,” Glen Brand of the Sierra Club said. Plastic bags clog animals’ intestines, he said, and can cause them to choke to death. He applauded the group for moving to reduce “this unnecessary expense of toxic pollution” that is a “legacy of waste for future generations.”
"Bag, Fee, Foam Ban Sought in Brunswick, Topsham," Forecaster, October 14, 2015

“Proponents like Sierra Club Maine’s Director Glen Brand point to nearly immediate impacts on the environment in other communities….  Why else do environmentalists consider it so important to charge for paper bags, too? They’re not made from petroleum, so surely they aren’t so bad? Eventually paper bags do decompose, but they take a toll on the environment. According to the Sierra Club, the manufacturing process for paper bags produces 80 percent more greenhouse gas emissions and 50 percent more water pollution than the manufacturing of plastic bags. ‘Paper bags are in many ways worse from a carbon perspective,” Brand said. “The real point here is to avoid the waste of single-use bags.’”
“Plastic bag bans and fees catching on in Maine” Portland Press Herald, October 11, 2015.

“People aren’t going to come here if the think the bay is polluted, and if the brand name of Maine lobster is tainted in any way, shape or form, than our entire economy in Maine as we know it is going to be affected,” she added. “This is the first time the Sierra Club and the lobstermen and all these businesses have been on the same page. This is one central issue that this entire area feels strongly about.”
“Searsport dredging proposal faces stiff headwind,” Portland Press Herald, September 6, 2015.

Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club in Maine said Friday that he wasn’t familiar with the proposal but that as it develops it is something the Sierra Club will be carefully looking at.  “We will certainly be monitoring the impact on wildlife, the natural landscape and the trade-off with clean energy, as we do with all major wind projects,” he said. “We like to support clean energy as much as possible in Maine, but it is something we look at very carefully.”

“SunEdison is testing conditions for another Somerset County wind farm,” Portland Press Herald, August 28, 2015.

 "But Kim Tucker, an attorney representing the Maine Lobstering Union, the Sierra Club of Maine, and other entities, said environmental impacts of the proposed project have not been properly assessed."
Zone D Lobstermen Join Fight Over Searsport Dredging," Fisherman's Voice, August 2015. 

"Glen Brand, director of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, released a statement that read in part: 'Today, our nation is taking a bold and historic action to address the growing threat of carbon pollution and climate disruption and to protect the health of families across our country.  By establishing carbon pollution protections, President Obama and the EPA are beginning the essential work of cleaning up and modernizing the way we power our country. These historic safeguards will ensure that our kids, our communities, and Maine’s workforce are healthier, while also creating much-needed jobs and fighting climate disruption.'"
“EPA Clean Power Plan elicits opposition, support,” Portland Phoenix, August 5, 2015.

Profile of Sierra Club Climate Action Team campaign highlighting mid-coast CAT efforts
“Climate Action Teams deliver solar - and people – power,” Coastal Journal, July 22, 2015. 

"A group of city residents are trying to generate interest in life on the farm – a community solar farm. In a 6:30 p.m. open house Wednesday at St. Luke's Church, 143 State St., members of Sierra Club’s Portland Climate Action Team will explain how solar farms expand sustainable energy use. They are also seeking investment in a farm in Kennebec County, and possibly one on Ocean Avenue. The community solar farm in Wayne, a Kennebec County town of 1,200, will be operated on land owned by West End Neighborhood Association member Roseanne Graef, Sierra Club Maine Director Glen Brand said July 15." Brand said the production would easily eclipse the farm in Wayne. "It is land that cannot be developed and it is clear,” Brand said. "We are all excited about its potential, it could be in the megawatts."
"Portland residents promote solar power farming," The Forecaster, July 21, 2015. 

"Members of the Sierra Club said that during that meeting LePage told an auidence that "state lawmakers from Lewiston should be rounded up and executed in the public square." "Not only is it a distraction, it's embarrassing. The governor's speech reflects poorly on Maine," said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine chapter."
Governor Lepage accused of saying Democratic lawmakers from Lewiston should be 'executed', WGME (Ch. 13-Portland), June 26, 2015.

“Passenger rail expansion bills have enjoyed more success this year than in the past largely because of the support of the national Sierra Club, which views public transit as way to curb the use of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, said Tony Donovan, who sits on the executive committee of Sierra Club Maine. Donovan, a Portland real estate broker who promotes commercial and residential development near transit stations, has been advocating for bringing train service to Auburn and Lewiston for years. “The Legislature is giving us really positive vibes about making this happen,” he said.
“Coalition pushes Maine lawmakers for passenger rail expansion,” Portland Press Herald.  June 2, 2015.

“Advocates for the bill include the Sierra Club Maine and a host of lawmakers from across the state, including some from Rockland and Bangor.”
“$25 million rail bond for Lewiston-Auburn goes before budget panel,” Lewiston Sun Journal, June 2, 2015.  

"Clean energy solutions like wind and solar will reduce our dependence on expensive, dirty fossil fuels, protect our climate and health, lower and stabilize energy costs, and bring much-needed economic investment and good jobs.  Maine is lucky to have such home-grown clean energy resources. We should put them to work to protect the place we call home."
"Home-Grown Maine Clean Renewables," op-ed by Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director, Brunswick Time Record, June 2, 2015.

"This year in Maine, it's particularly relevant, " said Glen Brand, Executive Director of Sierra Club's Maine Chapter, one of several groups that organized the event. "Governor LePage has recently come out in favor of opening up the Gulf of Maine to oil drilling." Governor LePage recently joined the Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition, an alliance of governors who support expanded oil exploration, which they say could help meet the country's need for more affordable energy. That, says Brand, has his group and others worried over the potential for future environmental disaster along the Northeastern coast, as well as over continued development of an ultimately unsustainable resource, especially at a time when alternative energy is starting to gain some political traction."
"Environmentalists Protest 'Dirty Fuel'", Maine Public Radio, May 16, 2015.

"Other backers of the wind industry, including Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter, also noted the importance of the study. “By detailing the carbon and air pollution reductions from Maine’s wind power resources, this report provides further evidence of the strong environmental and health benefits of clean wind energy for Maine families,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter."

"The bill, called “An Act to Maximize the Benefits of Renewable Energy in Maine,” was criticized by renewable energy advocates in testimony Tuesday, including the Sierra Club of Maine.  “Despite its misleading and rather Orwellian title, LD 1329 is clearly designed to minimize, if not halt completely, the use of clean renewable wind and solar power in Maine,” the group said in a news release. “The bill appears to be rooted in an irrational prejudice against wind power in particular, and it is not based on the state’s experience, proven success and sound science.”
“Maine wind energy advocates unveil study touting industry’s benefits,” Bangor Daily News, May 5, 2015.

“Public transportation, particularly passenger rail, is a key component in building toward a future where Mainers can utilize multiple modes of transportation to travel for work and play,” Shenna Bellows said on behalf of the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter."
“Bill to bring passenger rail back to Bangor gains support,” Bangor Daily News, April 23, 2015

"It is inevitable that our nation and state will move beyond dirty energy towards an economy powered by efficiency and clean power. Gov. Paul LePage’s dirty energy agenda is only delaying this necessary transition in Maine, making it more costly for us all. This Earth Day, we should all contact the governor and urge him to change course and put Maine on the path to becoming a climate and clean energy leader."
"On energy, lower prices can’t be Maine’s (and LePage’s) sole guiding principle" [Op-Ed], Bangor Daily News, April 21, 2015.

"Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine, said the fee “reminds people there are costs, and it’s an incentive for people to bring reusable bags when they shop.” He said his organization would have preferred the citywide ban single-use bags entirely but said the fees are a step in the right direction. “What appears to be a rather benign individual choice turns out collectively to have a really serious impact — particularly here along the coast, where it’s not just a case of litter on the streets or in trees, but it’s getting into the waterways and out into the ocean,” Brand said.

At the municipal level, even more conversations are sprouting up, Brand said. “This program [in Portland] has inspired talk of similar programs in a bunch of other places,” he said. “York had a public hearing [this month]. I know people in Brunswick are thinking about this. Freeport is thinking about [single-use bag restrictions]. Falmouth has talked about it. Portland has inspired interested in other places.”​"
Will Portland’s bag fees, polystyrene ban make a difference?", Bangor Daily News, April 9, 2015

"But he faces resistance from the state’s powerful environmental lobby, which believes LePage’s tendency to favor only the cheapest forms of energy today could be costly in the long run. “His energy policy in no way reflects the truth that we have to make a clear transition away from fossil fuels — including natural gas — toward a 100 percent clean energy economy,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine."
"LePage aims to cut prices, transform Maine’s energy future, Kennebec Journal, April 4, 2015. 

"Tony Donovan, also a member of Sierra Club Maine's Executive Committee, said both organizations are not going to give up on getting passenger rail to the Twin Cities.
Sierra Club Maine is backing the effort to expand passenger rail to Lewiston-Auburn." 
"Passenger rail bill for Lewiston-Auburn chugs forward at State House,"  Lewiston Sun Journal, March 17, 2015. 

“Also speaking in favor of the bill was Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club's Maine Chapter. ‘Expansion of passenger rail and innovative ways to fund public transit help to achieve some of our most important goals,’ Brand said. ‘Promoting healthy air, addressing climate disruption and building a clean-energy economy that benefits all Mainers.’  Brand said passenger rail not only reduces air and carbon pollution, it has proven it can revitalize local economies.”
“Bill that funds passenger train study for Lewiston-Auburn line gets broad support,” Lewiston Sun Journal, March 11, 2015.

 “Transportation experts and business leaders speaking in favor of the rail study were joined by Glen Brand, director of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, which Brand says supports partnerships that promote economic expansion with cleaner transportation alternatives. "Transportation infrastructure choices made by our elected officials today have far-reaching practical consequences for decades to come," said Brand. "Our automobile-only transportation system has given much value, but it has also burdened us with many unsustainable costs."
“Municipal Leaders Tout Bill to Study Yarmouth/Auburn Rail Link,” Maine Public Radio, March 10, 2015.

"But his action was criticized by environmental groups that want to reduce New England’s growing dependence on gas, including the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club.  Glen Brand, the chapter’s director, said offshore oil drilling poses an unacceptable risk. He said LePage’s membership is motivated by ideology and won’t have any practical impact. “I assume this is symbolic, a way of throwing red meat to a right-wing audience,” Brand said.
"Data indicates Gulf of Maine Offers Poor Resources for Drilling," Kennebec Journal/Portland Press Herald, March 3, 2015. 

"Following Portland’s approval of its ordinance in June, Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter, told the Bangor Daily News that plastic bags kill “millions and millions” of seabirds and mammals each year and take more than 200 years to decompose. Americans use approximately 100 billion plastic bags annually, he said, made up from the equivalent of 439 gallons of oil. Brand said a 5 cent fee on plastic bags in Washington, D.C. triggered a 60 percent decrease in plastic bag usage in the city and a 50 percent drop in the number of bags found during the annual watershed cleanup. In San Jose, Brand said, the city found its storm drain systems to be 89 percent cleaner just one year after banning most single-use carryout bags and adding a 10-cent charge for those still allowed."
"Bring your own bag proposal worth more discussion," Portsmouth Herald, February 25, 2015. 

"Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club, praised King’s decision to vote against the Senate bill. “By saying ‘no’ to Keystone and dirty tar sands oil, Senator King is demonstrating much-needed leadership on climate (change) and environmental protection,” Brand said.
"Maine Sen. King casts pivotal vote as Keystone pipeline bill blocked,"  Portland Press Herald, 11/18/14.

"Glen Brand of the Sierra Club said increased tanker traffic to serve the pipeline in New Brunswick also stands to threaten habitats for right whales and the St. Lawrence beluga whale near a proposed terminal in Cacouna, Quebec."
"Conservation groups fret about proposed Canadian oil pipeline’s impact on St. John Valley," Bangor Daily News, 10/30/14.

"Environment Maine, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Sierra Club are backing the Bingham Wind Project. After the decision to grant the land permit needed for the project, the Sierra Club said it was an important project to transitioning from dependence on petroleum products to a cleaner energy based on renewable resources.  “We must strike a sometimes difficult balance between clean energy production and environmental protection,” Sierra Club Maine Chapter Director Glen Brand said last month. “We believe that the Bingham project strikes this balance.
"Foes challenge Bingham wind farm go-ahead," Kennebec Journal, 10/10/14. 

"The People's Climate March will be the largest climate activist event ever organized." says Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of Sierra Club.  His group chartered six of the buses to  provide a way for climate-concerned Mainers to carpool and participate in the rally, which is expected to draw in excess of 100 thousand people.  "The demand of the march is to replace the use of dirty fossil fuels. We're talking about coal, oil, and natural gas, with 100% clean renewable power like solar and wind as quickly as possible." explains Brand, "We need to do this to protect people, the environment, and our economy.  "There are two kind of power in this world," says Brand, "People and money."  Polluters, he says, tend have money, but people the can take action. "The huge scale and prominence of the People's Climate March is going to send a clear message to world leaders that people want them to work together to move forward on climate solutions."
"600 Mainers Heading for New York Climate Rally," Maine Public Radio, 9/21/14.

"The Maine chapter is endorsing Michaud in the November gubernatorial election because of his emphasis on conserving and protecting the state's environment, something Brand said Gov. Paul LePage neglects to do. Brand called the LePage administration the most anti-environmentally friendly administration in modern years, saying LePage denies the dangers of climate change and over using fossil fuels, to name a couple."
Sierra Club supports Mike Michaud," Fosters Daily Democrat, 9/15/14.

"The scale of the march will send a clear message to world leaders that the people want them to work together to move forward on climate solutions," said Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Chapter director. "In the U.S., the first important step is the approval of President Obama's climate action plan, which includes EPA's proposed first-ever carbon pollution limits for existing power plants."
Maine residents, COA students to attend climate change rally in N.Y., Portland Daily Sun, 9/18/14.

“There are multiple overlapping environmental and economic benefits for providing more transportation choices for Mainers, and in particular for people living in the two largest metropolitan areas in Maine,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter.  “A passenger rail service provides a reliable and affordable way for people to get to work, to school and to play,” he continued. “It encourages people to avoid driving when they don’t need to, so … you also avoid the wear and tear on the highway infrastructure, which is extraordinarily expensive.”
Portland-Auburn Passenger Train Could Be First Step Toward Rail Connection with Bethel-Montreal.  Bangor Daily News, 8/7/14.

"We're putting all our energy eggs in the natural gas basket, which makes no sense," said Glen Brand of the Sierra Club of Maine. The club was among 103 organizations and individuals signing a letter to New England governors opposing the plan.  While natural gas is cleaner than oil or coal, said Brand, "it's nevertheless a greenhouse gas and major contributor to climate disruption. What we should not be doing is taking something that is relatively inexpensive at the moment and tying it to a plan that would require us to burn fossil fuel for the next century."
“Environmental groups oppose pipeline plan,” Portsmouth Herald, 7/13/14.

"I think a fair picture of Susan Collins' environmental record is that it's a mixed one," said Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club. While he gave Collins credit for breaking with Republican leadership on a number of environmental issues over the years, he criticized her for not taking a stronger stance of late. "What we've unfortunately seen recently is a lack of leadership from Sen. Collins," he said. "Susan Collins' reputation as a moderate has emerged, but I think it's really in the context of the party moving farther away from environmental [issues]." The Sierra Club has not endorsed either candidate in the Maine race.
"She's As Good As A GOP Senator Gets On The Environment. Is That Good Enough?" Huffington Post, 6/27/14. 

"Styrofoam and plastic bags are more than unsightly eyesores; their production wastes energy and causes pollution, and they eventually end up as costly toxic litter," Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club's Maine chapter, said in a statement to the BDN. "Single-use plastic bags easily escape from garbage trucks, landfills, boats and average consumers' hands. Carried by the wind, they end up in streams, ponds, lakes, rivers, and clogging storm drains, jamming recycling equipment and floating out to Casco Bay and the ocean."
"Portland adopts bag fee, foam container ban," Maine Biz, 6/17/14.

"It's an important issue even though it's coming through the Midwest," Glen Brand of the Sierra Club said. "Scientists tell us if we develop dirty fuels like tar sands from Canada it's going to set off a so-called carbon time bomb. It's going to make our climate disruption problems that much worse and harder to solve."
“Mainers join nationwide tar sands protest,” WCSH (Channel 6), 5/17/14.

“This court decision is a resounding victory for clean air and public health, especially for everyone who lives in Maine,” said Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of The Sierra Club, in a written statement. “As the ‘tailpipe of the nation,’ Maine suffers from downwind toxic air pollution from coal-burning plants and other dirty energy sources. When fully implemented, the Cross-State Air Pollution health standard will help reduce soot and smog, improve air quality, and reduce life-threatening respiratory illnesses that affect tens of thousands of Maine families.”
“Supreme Court upholds downwind pollution limits,” Portland Press Herald, 4/29/14.

“Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter, described the ordinances as “common sense” approaches to protecting the environment. Plastic bags are easily blown into waterways, where they can choke marine wildlife such as turtles, whales, seals, birds and fish, he said.  “Together, the waste reduction ordinances will help consumers and businesses to reduce unnecessary and expensive litter and waste,” Brand said. “The plastic bag fee will encourage Portland residents to use simple, practical alternatives such as affordable, reusable shopping bags, which are widely available in the city.”
“Heavy opposition delays Portland vote on plastic foam ban, bag fee,” Portland Press Herald, 3/19/14.

“Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, said Thursday that LePage’s statement concerns him and other environmentalists in Maine. “It’s not surprising that the governor would be on the side of big oil on this issue, but what causes us more concern is that it sounds to us like he’s suggesting to bring tar sands oil through northern New England and Maine,” said Brand. “He has not explicitly said he is in favor of or opposed to bringing tar sands oil through the existing pipeline and that should cause concern for the thousands of people in Maine who would be affected by it.”
“LePage details support of Keystone tar sands pipeline project in letter to John Kerry,” Bangor Daily News, 3/13/14.

"Others aren’t quite ready to see the glass as half-full. Rising temperatures have led to an invasion of a green crab that ravaged the state’s clam fishery and to the recent cancellation of Maine’s shrimp season after last year’s meager harvest, blamed partly on warmer waters, according Sierra Club Maine’s director, Glen Brand."
“Maine Governor: Stop Being So Negative About Global Warming,” Business Week, 12/18/13.

“Sierra Club members don’t oppose broadening Maine’s industrial potential but see many problems that the highway would create, including harm to waterways, water quality, critical habitat and threatened and endangered species; private property and eminent domain; local communities’ environment and economies; and public recreational lands, members said.”
“Sierra Club opposes east-west highway in Maine,” Bangor Daily News, 5/7/12.

“This is a big deal, and the big polluters know it,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter. “This is the beginning of what could be the biggest climate fight in history.”
“Long Time Coming,” Portland Phoenix, 6/6/14.

“Mainers’ close connection to wilderness is an essential to our state’s history and our collective identity, said Becky Bartovics, Sierra Club Maine’s Executive Committee Co-chair, in a recent press release. “The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act is a good time to explore, enjoy and protect Maine wild lands for generations to come.”
“Sierra Club marking 50th year of Wilderness Act with series of Maine outings,” Bangor Daily News, 6/5/14.

“Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter…said the approximately 100 billion plastic bags Americans use annually are made up from the equivalent of 439 million gallons of oil. “Styrofoam and plastic bags are more than unsightly eyesores; their production wastes energy and causes pollution, and they eventually end up as costly toxic litter,” Brand said. “Single-use plastic bags easily escape from garbage trucks, landfills, boats and average consumers’ hands. Carried by the wind, they end up in streams, ponds, lakes, rivers, and clogging storm drains, jamming recycling equipment and floating out to Casco Bay and the ocean.”
“Divided Portland Council Bans Polystyrene Containers, Adds Fees on Paper and Plastic Bags,” Bangor Daily News, 6/17/14.

“The carbon-intensive stuff is found in underground, and to extract and refine it involves “diluting it with a toxic stew of chemicals,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter, one of several groups that helped organize the rally. What makes it even more dangerous is what happens if it spills. Unlike conventional oil, it doesn’t evaporate. “The stuff sinks first, and then it sticks to the bottom of the body of water,” Brand said. Activists frequently cite a 2010 tar sands spill in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in which a pipeline was punctured and spilled one million gallons into the Kalamazoo River. “It was the biggest inland oil spill in the history of the country,” Brand said. “The river is still not cleaned up, and there are areas that will never recover.”
“Not Giving Up:  No Tar Sands,” Portland Phoenix, 5/22/14.

"Mainers' close connection to wilderness is an essential to our state's history and our collective identity," said Becky Bartovics, Sierra Club Maine's executive committee co-chair. "The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act is a good time to explore, enjoy and protect Maine wild lands for generations to come."
“Sierra Club to mark anniversary of Wilderness Act,” Portland Daily Sun, 5/21/14.

“The Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting an event to celebrate International Transit Day at the banquet hall of the Royal Oak Room, the refurbished former Maine Central Railroad station at 1 Bates St.  Mayor Robert Macdonald, state Sen. Margaret Craven, State Rep. Wayne Werts and Robert Thompson, executive director of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, will talk about the next steps needed to bring rail to the downtown.”
​“Lewiston event to discuss benefits of Twin Cities rail service,” 5/18/14.

"The context here in Maine now is that we have a governor who is irrationally opposed to clean energy, particularly wind power," said Glen Brand, director of the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club. "We think that his administration in part turned down the Bowers project for reasons that have little to do with Maine's Wind Power Act."
“$100M Maine wind farm faces rejection because of 'scenic impacts',” Energy and Environment Daily, 5/6/14.

“Opponents, including the state’s chapter of the Sierra Club and the Maine Renewable Energy Association, say the bill would undo what they call the state’s good work toward promoting wind energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
“Proposed Maine law change seeks balance between ‘No Turbine Zone’ and ‘a walk through a wind farm’”, Bangor Daily News, 1/14/14.

“Maine Sierra Club screens documentary ‘A Sea Change’ in Belfast,” Penobscot Bay Pilot, 4/24/14.

“Of the state Environmental Priorities Coalition’s top six goals for 2014, at least four saw favorable outcomes during the legislative session. But Glen Brand, executive director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter, chose something else to highlight. “The most important thing from an environmental perspective is that this is almost certainly Governor’s LePage’s last legislative session,” he said, voicing what may just be wishful thinking. “I say that because the LePage administration has been the worst administration on the environment in the modern history of Maine, bar none.”
Portland Phoenix, 4/30/14.

“This court decision is a resounding victory for clean air and public health, especially for everyone who lives in Maine,” said Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter. “As the ‘tailpipe of the nation,’ Maine suffers from downwind toxic air pollution from coal-burning plants and other dirty energy sources. When fully implemented, the Cross-State Air Pollution health standard will help reduce soot and smog, improve air quality and reduce life-threatening respiratory illnesses that affect tens of thousands of Maine families.”
“In win for Obama, top court revives cross-state air pollution rule.”  Bangor Daily News, 4/29/14.

“Speaking during an Earth Day event organized by the Sierra Club of Maine at the Yarmouth Town Landing, Michaud said LePage has stood in the way of efforts to boost clean solar and wind energy and dragged his feet on preparing the state to deal with the effects of climate change.”
“On Earth Day, Michaud Takes Digs At LePage’s Environmental, Energy Record, Bangor Daily News, 4/22/14.

“The Conservation Law Foundation, Maine chapter of the Sierra Club, Maine Audubon Society, Environment Maine, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Maine ATV Association and Maine Snowmobile Association support the project, as do surrounding landowners…” 
“State Agency Recommends Board Deny Bowers Mountain Wind Project,” Bangor Daily News, 4/29/14.

“A Clean Environment Depends on Clean Elections” [Op-ed by Jim Frick, Maine Sierra Club and Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director]. 
Bangor Daily News, 4/21/14.

“But environmentalists, who often clash with the governor and lobbied heavily for the bill this session, said the veto of the bill "represents the failure of his irrational anti-clean-energy and anti-business agenda." "Maine needs a governor who will lead the state into a cleaner, more prosperous energy future," Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter said in a statement.”
“Maine Senate sustains veto of solar rebate bill,” Business Week, 4/16/14.

“In his April 3rd column, Al Diamon writes that Gov. LePage is "dead right" about "his belief that wind power is driving up electricity costs in the state….”  The Governor and other anti-wind power zealots assert this unfounded claim often, and they also say this about the state’s renewable energy standard.  Like Mr. Diamon, they fail to cite any credible sources for this assertion.  There is, however, reputable evidence that wind power lowers and stabilizes electricity prices region-wide and creates major economic development.  Two recent studies from ISO-New England, for example, found that 14% wind energy reduced electricity prices by around 10%, while 24% wind energy reduced electricity prices by 15%, and that New England region's proposed wind projects would reduce electricity market expenses by $1.074 billion per year, or $119 in savings per each MWh of wind energy.(Specific citations for these and numerous other similar studies can be found at: http://awea.files.cms-plus.com/AWEA%20White%20Paper-Consumer%20Benefits.pdf.)
In addition, according to the recent Maine PUC-commissioned report, “Renewable Portfolio Standards and Requirements, the Maine's Wind Energy Act”, “the addition of a large amount of low cost renewables, like wind, in New England may also result in lowering electricity prices as wind displaces existing higher cost generation, which can also create indirect and induced economic benefits.”  The report further states that “renewable investment could also lead to a stronger industry knowledge base, improved air quality, fuel cost savings and diversification benefits” away from fossil fuels, as well as “reliability benefits stemming from reduced [cost] exposure to natural gas.”
In Maine PUC's recent approval of Downeast Wind's 20-year term contract, the Commission found that the contract was in the ratepayers' interest, provided a measure of protection to ratepayers against volatility in the wholesale market, and will have an “estimated price suppression benefit to ratepayers with a net present value of $6 to $8 million.”  Obviously, electricity prices are only one part of the story.  A comprehensive analysis of the costs of dirty vs. clean energy would account for the enormous subsidies for fossil fuels and the very costly harmful environmental, health, and economic impacts of global and local climate disruption from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.
Glen Brand, Director, Sierra Club Maine
“The Cost of Clean Energy [Letter to the Editor], Portland Phoenix, 4/16/14, p. 30.

“Supporters included Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Chapter director. Brand called the proposals "common-sense ordinances" that will protect the environment and especially marine wildlife endangered by plastic bags that end up in ecosystems. Brand cited a Sept. 26, 2008, article in The Wall Street Journal reporting the annual death toll for wildlife ingesting the bags at 1 billion. He urged councilors to join with communities including Nantucket, Mass., Portland, Ore., Los Angeles County and Washington, D.C., that regulate the distribution of plastic bags.”
“Portland bag, foam regulations not ready for City Council,” Forecaster, 3/25/14.

“Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club Maine Chapter, described the ordinances as “common sense” approaches to protecting the environment. Plastic bags are easily blown into waterways, where they can choke marine wildlife such as turtles, whales, seals, birds and fish, he said. “Together, the waste reduction ordinances will help consumers and businesses to reduce unnecessary and expensive litter and waste,” Brand said. “The plastic bag fee will encourage Portland residents to use simple, practical alternatives such as affordable, reusable shopping bags, which are widely available in the city.”
“Heavy opposition delays Portland vote on plastic foam ban, bag fee,”  Portland Press Herald, 3/20/14.

"But Glen Brand, director of the Sierra Club’s Maine chapter, points out that assessing the environmental impacts of a project that’s yet-to-be-built (such as Keystone) is far different from evaluating the risks of an older, existing pipeline whose route is already known. “We’re confident if we get [a full environmental review], the project will be denied,” Brand says. 
“Tar Sands Threat Moves Closer,” Portland Phoenix, 3/14/14. 

“Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, said Thursday that LePage’s statement concerns him and other environmentalists in Maine. “It’s not surprising that the governor would be on the side of big oil on this issue, but what causes us more concern is that it sounds to us like he’s suggesting to bring tar sands oil through northern New England and Maine,” said Brand. “He has not explicitly said he is in favor of or opposed to bringing tar sands oil through the existing pipeline and that should cause concern for the thousands of people in Maine who would be affected by it.”
LePage details support of Keystone tar sands pipeline project in letter to John Kerry,” Bangor Daily News, 3/14/14.

"Expanded economic opportunites and lowering electrical prices are worthy goals," says Glen Brand, director of Sierra Club Maine, "and the bill, with such innocuous language sounds like it's a winner." But, says Brand, it really isn't. The bill makes vague references to economic development, he says, without actually defining what hoops a wind company would have to jump through in order to be granted a permit. Brand says he and other wind proponents are afraid that the LePage administration will be able to flatten new projects by insisting on unattainable criteria, such as requiring that a new development guarantee a certain number of jobs, or a certain amount of economic gain. "That would not be the case for any other project in the state," Brand says. "You know, we would see that as an undue burden. The other part of the bill is to lower electricity prices. Well, it's impossible, given the complexity, to determine the impact of one particular wind project on electrical prices in Maine." And, says Brand, the industry has benefitted Maine - but it's just getting started.” 
“Maine Gov's Bill Would Change State's Windpower Goals,” Maine Public Radio, 3/6/14.

“But critics say the governor’s measure will merely increase costs and regulatory burdens on wind project developers by forcing them to show how their proposals would affect electricity prices - something they say would be nearly impossible to do. “(The administration is) irrationally opposed to clean energy like wind, and this bill is one in a series of obstacles to make it more difficult to build wind power in the state,” Glen Brand, chapter director of the Sierra Club Maine told The Associated Press.
“Maine panel eyes bill to remove wind-power goals,” Associated Press, 3/5/14.

“Keystone XL Pipeline protestors rally in Portland,” WCSH6 TV, 2/4/14. Coverage of Sierra Club-sponsored rally with interview with Sierra Club representative. 

“Others testifying in support of the bill include representatives from the Island Institute, the Sierra Club, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and the Department of Marine Resources.” 
“Ocean acidification bill wins broad public support,” Boothbay Register, 1/13/14.

“But another environmental group, the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club - opposes the bill. Director Glen Brand says that protection of the environment must include the development of renewable wind power. "From ocean acidification, toxic air pollution, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and alarming threats to our fisheries, such as the green crab invasion, Maine is already suffering from rising carbon pollution," Brand said. Brand says the bills will impose unnecessary roadblocks to meaningful wind development. 
“Scenery vs. Wind Turbines: Maine Bills Spark Heated Testimony,” Maine Public Radio. 1/13/14.

“Glen Brand, state director of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, says the main prediction climate science makes is that there will be more extreme weather events – including more super storms and drenching rain in some parts of the world, and in other places, droughts.  "Climate change is a long term, gradual trend of heating,” he stresses. “But it doesn't mean we don't have winter." Brand notes those who make a living in the state's seafood industry already know that climate change is impacting clamming, and could soon threaten the local lobster industry too. "The invasion of the green crab, which is devouring our muscle and clam flats in particular right now,” he explains. “And it's a cause of real concern."
“Experts Explain: Despite Deep Freeze, World is Still Warming,” Public News Service, 1/9/14.