SeatMates SeatMates

Maine is far from reaching its recycling goal of 50% set way back in 1989.  We examine what happens to all that material you take to the dump - oops, transfer station - and how a new, first-in-the-nation law will shift the cost of recycling packaging from property taxpayers to those brand manufacturers who make the stuff.

Maine's investor-owned utilities - CMP and Versant - are now owned by foreign corporations and foreign governments.  A new model has been proposed to bring back local control so that our state can better prepare for a future demanding more electricity and decarbonization.  We explore the benefits of Pine Tree Power - a consumer-owned utility.

Reaching all the nooks and crannies of our great state with high speed, reliable internet is a Big Hairy Audacious Goal requiring government investment. The free market would have reached these far flung spaces by now if there was profit to be made. There's a strong argument for public engagement in critical infrastructure that advances the economic potential for all corners of the state. We explore policy that will lead us there. 

PFAS is a class of "forever chemicals" that is showing up in farm fields and drinking water. It's a threat to our food system and clean water. This episode explores the problem and offers some policy solutions.