Dear Friend,

We are happy to now offer a one-page fact sheet for Maine Won't Wait, the state's four-year climate action plan released in December 2024.

You can download this PDF from our website, including translated versions available in seven commonly used languages.

Summer in Motion Photo Challenge

The Maine Climate Council wants to showcase how Mainers of all ages are choosing climate-friendly ways to get where they need to be this summer in our Summer in Motion Photo Challenge! 

👣 walking or running 👣

🚲 biking 🚲

🛴 wheelchairs or scooters 🛴

🛹 skateboarding 🛹

🚍 public transit 🚍

🔌 electric vehicles 🔌

Next time you travel somewhere using less fossil fuels, grab a photo and share it with us! There are two ways to participate.

Complete this form below online, or tag @MaineClimateCouncil on your publicly available social post with the hashtag #MaineWontWait, and our team will reach out to confirm your submission.

Your photos or videos could be featured on our social channels!

New Maine Climate Policy Advisor

The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future is pleased to welcome Hilary Landfried as Climate Policy Advisor and Maine Climate Council Coordinator. In this key role, Hilary will support the Council and its working groups and implementation of Maine Won’t Wait, including tracking progress towards the state’s climate and energy targets. Learn more about Hilary on our website.

Use these tax credits before they're gone!

Federal tax credits for home energy efficiency, insulation, and electric vehicles (EVs) are set to expire later this year. Understand your options so you can take advantage of these tax credits while they last. Rewiring America has a helpful webpage with the deadline for each tax credit.

You can also find up-to-date information about current federal tax credits and state incentives from Efficiency Maine.

Building Code Trainings

Through the Clean Energy Partnership, the Governor's Energy Office is funding passivhausMAINE's efforts to deliver energy code trainings. These trainings teach new and experienced builders and code enforcement officers how to meet the new Maine building energy codes as well as understand and implement the most effective and modern practices for building long-lasting, energy-efficient structures. Upcoming trainings are listed below:

• Portland – July 25

• Farmington – August 4

• Bangor – August 5

• Lincoln/Millinocket – September 18  

• Waterville/Colby College – October 16  

• Freeport – November 17  

• Bangor/Brewer – December 11 

Community Action Grants & Service Provider Grants

Application deadlines are fast approaching for the current round of Community Action Grant and Service Provider Grant opportunities through the Community Resilience Partnership.

• This round of community action grants is open to all enrolled communities. 

• Expanded list of community actions eligible for grant funding. 

• $5.3 million in available funding in this round.

• The maximum community action grant award will be $75,000 for individual community grants and $175,000 for joint community grants.

Learn more about these grant opportunities, eligible actions for no-match grant projects, application criteria, and more on the Partnership website.

Community Action Grant: 

• Application Deadline: August 29, 2025 at 5 p.m. 

• View the Program Statement and Application Form 

Service Provider Grant: 

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 at 5 p.m.

• View the Program Statement and Application Form 

Legislation To Establish Maine Department of Energy Resources

On July 2, Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1270 to create the Maine Department of Energy Resources, a new cabinet-level department that will lead State-level energy policy and programs, coordinate across State agencies and regional partners, engage with stakeholders, and address energy opportunities and challenges for Maine.  

The Department, proposed by the Governor earlier this year, will address complex energy challenges facing Maine, such as affordability, grid reliability, and aging infrastructure, while planning for a strong and secure energy future. The department's creation was a budget-neutral initiative during a tight budget cycle. 

“Maine families and businesses deserve access to energy they can count on and afford – and establishing the Maine Department of Energy Resources is an important step toward an energy future that works for Maine people,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This new department will allow the State to build a long-term approach for Maine’s energy needs, respond quickly to emerging challenges, and strengthen regional and national energy partnerships to benefit our people and economy."  

The Department is expected to formally launch later this year. 

Summer Community Outreach

Many thanks to Wayside Food Programs for hosting us at their season’s first Pop-up Picnic, held at the Community Garden in Payson Park earlier this month. Our Youth Climate Engagement Coordinator, Abigail Hayne, spoke with many attendees about how Maine is preparing for our climate future.

Some upcoming events we'll be attending include:

• August 4: Wayside Picnic at the Brentwood Community Garden

• August 18: Wayside Picnic at Boyd Street Urban Farm

• August 24: Monarch Festival at Valentine Farm in Bethel

Do you have an upcoming event, gathering, or community group that would like to learn more about Maine Won't Wait?

Visit our speaker request form here!

Upcoming Meetings

• Jul. 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Community Resilience Working Group

• Sept. 25, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.,  Maine Climate Council

• Dec. 1, 2025 | 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.,  Maine Climate Council