Dear John,

I’m just getting home after an inspiring day! At a time when we’re gearing up to defend climate action at the federal level, I was heartened to join the Mills Administration and our partners for the launch of Maine’s updated Climate Action Plan – Maine Won’t Wait. States have often served as the laboratories for climate progress, and I am proud that Maine is positioned to continue leading the way.

The new four-year plan for climate action highlights the urgency of one of the biggest challenges of our lifetimes: scientists have been clear that we must act quickly to reduce emissions and implement climate solutions while also helping communities prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The new edition of Maine Won’t Wait highlights and builds on the progress we’ve made together since 2020, sets ambitious and measurable targets for the work ahead, and includes a new focus on land use, waste management, and community resilience.

SPOTLIGHT: Community Resilience

In 2021, Maine launched the Community Resilience Partnership Program (recommended by the first iteration of the Climate Action Plan) to provide grants to communities to reduce emissions, transition to clean energy, and prepare for the impacts of climate change on the local level. More than 226 Maine communities are enrolled in the program and eligible for the next round of Community Resilience Partnership grants. This round is open through December 17 and includes the biggest awards yet – $75,000 for individual communities and $175,000 for joint community grants – so consider applying!

It’s undeniable that the political landscape has changed since Maine launched the first version of Maine Won’t Wait in December 2020. With an incoming federal administration hostile to acting on climate – Trump dismantled more than 100 environmental rules during his first four years in office – local and state level climate action is more important than ever.

And it’s more important than ever that our leaders at the state level know that Maine people want them to prioritize climate action at the State House in Augusta. You can help by sending a message to the new Maine State House and Senate leadership urging them to prioritize climate action this legislative session.

SIGN THE PETITION

Meeting the climate crisis at the scale that science and justice demand requires action at every level — and local knowledge, community resilience, and shared responsibility are the foundation for a liveable climate future.

Onward,

Kathleen Meil | she/her

Senior Director of Policy and Partnerships

Maine Conservation Voters

[email protected]

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