Dear John,

The State House was buzzing with excitement this week for the first days of the 2024 legislative session! It was great to be back in Augusta reconnecting with lawmakers and fellow advocates and beginning to lay the groundwork for our climate action, environmental, and justice priorities.

Read on for a few updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to take action . . .

You’re Invited: Priority Agenda Kick-Off Event in Augusta

We’re excited to continue working with our partners in Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) to advocate for our joint priorities this session!

The EPC is an inclusive statewide alliance of almost 40 conservation, climate action, and public health organizations. Each year we collectively identify a slate of policy priorities to act on the climate crisis; further environmental justice; protect land, water, and wildlife; and cultivate healthy Maine communities. This year, we’re marking our 20th anniversary of collaboration!

We’ll be announcing our set of priority legislation over breakfast at the State House on Thursday, January 18 from 8 - 9:30 AM! Join us to learn more about the issues we’ll be advocating for in the coming months and meet lawmakers, advocates, and fellow Mainers taking action for our future. Click here to sign up!

SIGN UP TO ATTEND THE EPC BREAKFAST

Thank Secretary of State Shenna Bellows

Secretary Bellows recently ruled on a voter request to disqualify former President Donald Trump from appearing on the Republican Presidential primary ballot. She issued her decision last week, determining that the former President is not qualified under the 14th amendment – which prohibits people who engage in insurrection against the US from holding elected office. She and her staff have been subject to threats, harassment, and violence.

Since she took office in 2021, Secretary Bellows has done her job with diligence and with respect for the people of Maine and the office of the Secretary of State. With her recent decision and all of her work, she has followed our laws and constitution. While you may disagree with the decision she made, it is her job to make that decision.

We should be able to agree to disagree on important issues without threats and violence. Violent rhetoric, threats, and personal attacks are not acceptable. No matter our politics, we all must say again and again and again that threats and violence are unacceptable and continue to do so until the political violence stops.

There are deep divisions in our country. We cannot possibly hope to address or heal those divisions if we continue to demonize and threaten each other or make personal attacks when we disagree.

Join us in thanking Secretary Bellows for being thoughtful, fair, and diligent in her work. Click here to send your message.

THANK SECRETARY BELLOWS

Take Action for Clean Cars

Transportation is the largest contributor to climate change in Maine. A new rule – currently being considered by the Bureau of Environmental Protection (BEP) – could significantly reduce emissions from our most polluting sector and bring Maine a lot closer to our climate action goals.

Maine’s 2021 Clean Transportation Roadmap called for adoption of Advanced Clean Cars II standards to gradually ramp up adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Three years later, the BEP is still debating the standards, which would be effective beginning in model year 2028 if we get them passed this year.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Learn more: Join us on Friday, January 19th from 12-1 PM for a Lunch & Learn about these clean car standards and how you can get involved! Sign up for the Lunch & Learn here.

2. Take action: Submit a comment to the BEP showing your support for clean cars! You can do so by emailing [email protected]. Use subject line “Comment on Chapter 127-A: Advanced Clean Cars II Program (Reposting).” When writing your comment, here are some top messages to consider:

Transportation is the largest contributor to climate change in Maine and this standard would reduce emissions from the sector more than any other known policy. We've been seeing the impacts of climate change here in Maine and we can't afford further delay.
Clean cars are taking off in Maine and around the globe and major manufacturers are investing billions in EV (Electric Vehicle) production. The market is already moving this direction, and if Maine doesn't pass this standard, we'll only be missing out on available EVs that manufacturers will prioritize sending to other states that already have this standard on the books.
This standard will not force anyone to buy a car, nor will it impact the used vehicle market which is where most cars are bought and sold in Maine. It will get more EVs on the road, but Mainers will still have a full array of choices when choosing their next car.

We're Hiring!

Our team is looking to hire a Partnerships Director and we’re hoping you’ll help us spread the word.

We are looking for someone to lead our cornerstone environmental and democracy initiatives, which reflect our deep commitment to creating a just, thriving future for all.

If you have experience building strategic relationships and partnerships, a passion for environmental protection, climate justice, voting rights, and integrating racial justice & equity into the work you do — please apply! Click here to see the full description and apply.

Save the Date: Conservation Lobby Day 2024

One of the most important ways we advocate for our yearly policy agenda is by bringing people from across the state together in Augusta to speak directly to lawmakers on Conservation Lobby Day! We hope you will plan to join us on Wednesday, April 10 from 8 AM - 10 AM.

If you haven’t experienced Conservation Lobby Day before, here’s what it’s all about: Members and activists from around the state gather together at the State House to hear from leaders fighting to advance climate action, further environmental justice, and protect our environment and communities. We then help facilitate opportunities for you to talk with your lawmakers about issues that affect you and your community and legislation that will make a difference. Make sure to register here to join us!

SIGN UP FOR CONSERVATION LOBBY DAY

We're so excited to kick off another year of acting on climate and making progress for Maine. We couldn’t do this work without you!

Onward,

Beth Ahearn | she/her

Director of Government Affairs

Maine Conservation Voters

[email protected]

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