Dear John,

Joe Biden is President of the United States and despite attempts by a horde of insurrectionists, America stands and refocuses its attention on climate action, healthcare, and fixing systemic inequities. We’re bringing in an expert to explain what exactly an executive order is and what we can expect from Congress in the coming months.

Last month, we introduced our state legislative priorities to you and we are excited to tell you more about those bills in the coming months. For the next months, we are reserving at least two Lunch & Learns to bring in folks to share more about the EPC priority bills and how you can get involved.

We also do recognize that January may have felt like a year crammed into a month and that sometimes we all need to coo over tiny animals. Luckily for us, MCV has a friend who can help with that.

We hope to see you this month!

Friday, February 5, 12-1pm: An Update on Federal Climate Action with the League of Conservation Voters

• From executive orders to nomination hearings, so much has already happened during the Biden Administration. Join us as Sara Chieffo, Vice President for Government Affairs for the League of Conservation Voters, shares what’s happening in Washington and what we can expect and hope for in the new administration’s first 100 days. Register here!

Friday, February 12, 12-1pm: Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine

• Offshore wind represents a major opportunity for Maine’s clean energy future and our economy.  The development of offshore wind technology in Maine will create jobs, grow clean energy to meet our ambitious targets, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The development of offshore wind must be done in coordination with Maine’s fishermen and environmental stakeholders. Join us as Dan Burgess and Celina Cunningham from the Governor’s Energy Office provide an overview and update of activities related to offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. Register here!

Friday, February 19, 12-1pm: Of Bold Mice and Shy Squirrels

• The 2021 Legislative Session is here! Learn how Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) is gearing up as Kathleen Meil, Director of Policy & Partnerships for MCV, and Beth Ahearn, Director of Government Affairs for MCV, unveil the coalition’s Climate and Environmental Agendas. The EPC is a partnership of 32 organizations working to protect Maine’s environment, public health, and climate future. Register here!

Friday, February 26, 12-1pm: Talking Trash | Protecting Our Communities and Closing the Toxic Out-of-State Waste Loophole

• A loophole in Maine’s waste management laws has allowed Maine to become a toxic dumping ground for the northeast. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tons of waste from out of state are dumped in the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town--increasing pollution, leading to landfill expansions, and threatening sites of cultural and spiritual significance to the Penobscot Nation. Residents in the area banded together to form the community group Don’t Waste ME and are fighting back. Community Leaders from Don’t Waste ME and Dana Colihan, the Maine State Director at Community Action Works, will join us to share about their fight to close the out of state loophole, address this environmental injustice, and how you can help their efforts this session. Register here!

I’m very much looking forward to continuing to spend Friday afternoons with you.

--Will