Dear John,

A number of important environmental bills passed the Maine Legislature last year. But, some of those bills are stuck in limbo and can’t move forward until they receive the funding they need.

Critical proposals to advance environmental justice, support an outdoor school experience for all Maine students, fund the Maine Climate Corps program, and protect forests in Maine were all carried over to this session and are now sitting in the Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA) Committee – awaiting funding.

The AFA Committee must match up funding needs with the available budget, resulting in many good and important bills dying on the “appropriations table” when the often-opaque process is completed.

We need your help to make sure that doesn’t happen. Will you sign the petition to urge legislators on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee to fund these critical environmental bills?

SIGN THE PETITION

Read on to learn more about why it’s so important that we allocate resources to these initiatives.

LD 1621: An Act Regarding Environmental Justice

LD 1621 supports meaningful community engagement and equitable decision-making to ensure that environmental policies are developed, implemented, and enforced in close partnership with the communities impacted “first and worst” by environmental and climate threats – those that have been historically underrepresented in policymaking.

Fiscal note: $577,949

LD 1817: An Act to Support Outdoor Education by Establishing the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program

Outdoor education provides students with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning focused on science and environmental stewardship. LD 1817 recognizes these benefits and would fund one three-day, two-night outdoor school program for all Maine students.

Fiscal note: $3,000,000

LD 142: An Act to Fund Climate-related Service Work

This bill will fund the Maine Climate Corps Program, including four leadership positions and 50 eligible participants. The Climate Corps will protect lands and waters, bolster community resilience, advance environmental justice, deploy clean energy, implement energy efficient technologies, and tackle climate change. Maine Climate Corps members will gain the skills to access good-paying jobs after they complete their paid training or service program.

Fiscal note: $1,840,000

LD 993: An Act to Facilitate Stakeholder Input Regarding Forest Policy in Maine

Maine forests absorb 60% of the state’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, support the $8.5 billion forest products industry, and contribute to the $3 billion recreational sector. LD 993 would create a Forest Advisory Board to convene diverse perspectives and advise the Maine Forest Service on policies to keep our forests healthy, intact, and productive.

Fiscal note: $5,130

Thank you for taking action for our future,

Beth Ahearn | she/her

Director of Government Affairs

Maine Conservation Voters

[email protected]

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