Phasing-Out Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

Exciting news! On May 12, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted UNANIMOUSLY, 13-0, on LD 1503, sponsored by Rep. Lori Gramlich, to phase out the use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals. These so-called "forever chemicals" are used in thousands of everyday products and are linked to a whole host of environmental and health issues. This strong show of support means that the bill SHOULD pass easily in the full legislature. 

Funding Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Projects

We all know that fuel costs in Maine winters get very expensive, especially for Maine’s seniors, low-income residents, schools, and towns. LD 1094, an energy efficiency and weatherization bond sponsored by Sen. Matthew Pouliot, would help reduce their costs. Fortunately, we believe that there is significant federal funding coming to Maine for weatherization, which would obviate the need for this bond. 

Banning Aerial Herbicides

On May 6, the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee took up LD 125, Senate President Troy Jackson's bill to ban the aerial spraying of certain herbicides, including glyphosate, over Maine's forests. Unfortunately, a majority of the committee sided with industrial forestry corporations and supported an amendment to gut the bill and maintain status quo. Four environmental champions on the committee, Sen. Chloe Maxmin, and Reps. Maggie O’Neil, Laurie Osher, and Bill Pluecker supported the original, stronger language in the bill, and we hope the majority of both legislative chambers support these four members and vote for the minority report.

Take Action TODAY: Send your legislators a message to support the ban on aerial herbicide spraying!

Investing in Land for Maine's Future (LMF)

We've been supporting legislation to fund LMF sponsored by Sen. Cathy Breen this session and are pleased to report that Gov. Mills introduced LD 1702 — a bond to fund Maine’s signature conservation program earlier this month. LMF is currently out of funding, and the Governor’s bond would provide $10 million a year for four years to help the program achieve conservation and climate change goals. If approved by the Legislature, the LMF bond would appear on the November 2021 ballot. The hearing on LD 1702 before the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee is May 18, today!

Making Producers Pay for Plastic Packaging Recycling 

Recycling and disposing of excessive, mostly plastic packaging is very expensive for municipalities. LD 1541, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, fairly shifts the cost of disposing of packaging from towns to where it belongs — with producers of the packaging. The hearing on this bill on May 10 lasted five hours, with lots of strong supportive testimony. The opposition came from — no surprise — the producers of packaging! Maine would be the first state in the country to pass this legislation, and several other states are considering following our lead.

Take a look at the Portland Press Herald's editorital on this issue yesterday: "Our View: Someone has to pay for use of plastic packaging"

Stopping Out-of-State Waste from Filling Maine Landfills

A legal loophole in Maine's waste management laws has allowed for 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 Maine and are fighting back.

The bill to close this loophole, LD 1639, sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney, was heard yesterday by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Strong testimony was delivered by Penobscot tribal members who depend upon clean water in the Penobscot. Strong opposition was given by waste facilities and the city of Lewiston, where a company that trucks construction debris to Juniper Ridge Landfill resides.

Take Action TODAY: Sign Don't Waste Maine's petition to close the out-of-state waste loophole!

Restoring Tribal Sovereignty in Maine

The Legislature delayed until next session legislation concerning tribal sovereignty, which would restore  the Wabanaki Tribes’ ability to manage their lands, waters, and natural resources. More than 200 people submitted favorable written testimony for LD 1626, and we’re working with the Wabanaki Alliance as we continue this fight moving forward.

Aligning State Agencies with Climate Requirements

On May 12, the Committee On Energy, Utilities, and Technology (EUT) heard — with NO opposition — LD 1682, a bill that would require the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider equity and environmental justice. Among these new requirements, the PUC will need to consider the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of disproportionate energy burdens on frontline communities and underserved utility customers. The bill will be "worked" (discussed and possibly voted on) by the EUT Committee today. 

Establishing a "Green Bank" to Pay for Climate Solutions

Also on May 12, the EUT committee heard LD 1659, a bill to establish a Green Bank. This bill creates the Maine Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator (a "Green Bank") to support the development of clean energy and sustainability projects and infrastructure by providing financing support, which includes loans and loan guarantees. Federal clean energy and sustainability funds would also pass through this bank. Again, there were NO opponents to this legislation, and we are waiting for a work session for this bill to be scheduled.

Take Action TODAY: Sign the Sierra Club of Maine's petition to establish a Green Bank in Maine!

Adopting Official Sea Level Rise Projections

This month, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee took up LD 1572, the Sea Level Rise Resolve, a bill requiring state agencies and, by extension, municipalities to plan for 1.5 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and four feet by 2100. The committee moved the legislation forward with a strong majority!