Dems bash move to vaccinate consultants; rural aid sought
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Democratic leaders in Maine have criticized MaineHealth for providing coronavirus vaccinations to out-of-state consultants hired to fight an effort to unionize nurses. Gov. Janet Mills called the move “an inexcusable act” on Tuesday. Senate President Troy Jackson said vaccinating the consultants diverted vaccines from vulnerable Mainers. MaineHealth, the state’s largest health network, says in a statement that it vaccinated a small number of out-of-state individuals and “erred” in doing so. Also Tuesday, Maine’s two U.S. senators pushed for funding for researchers affected by coronavirus and swifter federal aid for rural areas.
HYDROPOWER TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR
Construction starts on disputed $1B electricity corridor
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Construction on part of a $1 billion electricity transmission corridor is on hold because of legal action, but that hasn’t halted all construction. Workers on Tuesday installed the first of over 800 metal poles on a widened portion of existing corridor that’s part of the project near the Forks, in western Maine. The work is getting started even though a federal appeals court delayed construction on a new 53-mile section. Three conservation groups want to delay the project so the Army Corps of Engineers can conduct a more rigorous environmental review.
HERRING FISHING
New rules to limit New England herring fishing to start
ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — New restrictions that will limit commercial herring fishing off New England are taking effect. Atlantic herring are the source of a major East Coast fishery. They’re used as food and bait. Concerns about the size of the population motivated federal regulators to craft new rules about herring fishing. The rules, which take effect on Wednesday, prohibit certain kinds of fishing in inshore federal waters from the border of the U.S. and Canada to the border of Rhode Island and Connecticut.
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
Massachusetts panel: Tackle ocean acidity to save shellfish
BOSTON (AP) — A group of lawmakers, marine scientists and environmental regulators has issued a report saying that the growing acidification of the ocean poses a dire threat to New England’s shellfish industry. The Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission on Ocean Acidification said Tuesday the threat to marine life such as clams, mussels and lobsters is linked to the burning of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions. The findings dovetail with those of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has sounded the alarm on the growing acidity in the ocean for several years.