John,

Thanks to the incredible support of Mainers like you, the Maine Climate Council just approved its draft of an ambitious new Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions. 

More than 250 Maine people served on the Climate Council and its working groups -- and hundreds more logged on to virtual meetings, completed working group surveys, and advocated for a Climate Action Plan that’s bold, specific, and equitable. For all of your thoughtful and diligent work, we thank you. 

After nearly a year of planning, Maine’s Climate Council has developed a cross-sector plan to boldly meet Maine’s climate goals, strengthen our economy, and make our communities more resilient and equitable. This collaborative process has set Maine apart from its fellow New England states. On a course toward a future filled with thousands of heat pumps warming our homes and clean-energy jobs supporting our economy, this plan positions Maine as a climate leader.

There is plenty in the state’s plan to celebrate! When finalized, it will encourage ambitious targets for heat pump and electric vehicle adoption, goals to protect 30% of our land and water resources by 2030, and equity and assistance for communities disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. You can read the plan here.

While the hard work of developing Maine’s Climate Action Plan is behind us, the vital work of implementing that plan is just beginning. We’re grateful to count on you -- and you know that you can count on us to keep you posted on opportunities to get involved. 

A virtual launch of the plan’s rollout is set for December 1 and proposed actions will need to be either administered through state agencies or advanced through the state legislature. There will be resistance, and we’ll need your continued help to fight for climate action that prepares Maine for the future. 

If you'd like to join us in the fight to keep Maine moving forward as we head into 2021, please sign-up here. 

Onward,

Kathleen