[link removed] [[link removed]]Dear John,
Here at the State House, it’s been a wild ride as we head into the last big days of the legislative session.
These last few weeks, I have been in Augusta for some LONG days — until well past midnight! If legislators are hard at work in the State House, you can count on me to be there, too.
But our work this session has only been successful because of the help and dedication from great MCV supporters and members like you. I can't thank you enough for weighing in this session to help us get closer to some amazing victories for our environment and climate — from thousands of petitions signed and letters sent to your legislators to the hundreds of phone calls made to your lawmakers.
Because of your help, we’ve achieved some amazing victories in 2021 so far:
[[link removed]]Adopting Official Sea Level Rise Projections
Gov. Mills signed LD 1572, which will direct state agencies to use the best available sea level rise science AND prepare coastal communities for impacts based on that science. When we know that predictions indicate that islands like Islesboro will be split in half by rising seas, this kind of policy response is imperative.
[[link removed]]Aligning State Agencies with Climate Requirements
Gov. Mills signed into law LD 1682, which requires the Public Utilities Commission to consider greenhouse gas emissions and empowers it to make decisions that reflect our climate priorities. It also directs the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to develop recommendations for incorporating equity considerations in decisions across state agencies. This is the action called for in Gov. Mills’ Climate Action Plan.
[[link removed]]Defining Intentional Balloon Releasing as Littering
The legislature enacted LD 1023, a bill that defines the intentional releasing of balloons in our state as littering. This bill is a big step forward for protecting Maine’s wildlife, marine life, and wild places from balloon debris.
[[link removed]]Divesting the Maine Public Employee Retirement System from Fossil Fuel Companies
Maine became the first state to sign fossil fuel divestment of the legislation into law, LD 99. Thank you, Gov. Mills!
Here’s what remains on the list of bills we’re working to turn into law before the end of the legislative session:
[[link removed]]Banning Aerial Herbicide Spraying
LD 125, sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson of Aroostook County, would ban aerial spraying of synthetic herbicides to protect Maine's forests and natural resources. This priority bill was enacted by the legislature last week, but the bill is awaiting action by the governor. Click here to ask Governor Mills to sign this bill into law [[link removed]] .
[[link removed]]Phasing-Out Toxic "Forever Chemicals"
Exciting news: LD 1503, a bill to phase out toxic PFAS chemicals, sponsored by Rep. Gramlich of Old Orchard Beach, was enacted in bipartisan fashion by the legislature — with a unanimous vote in the House! The bill is awaiting funding and a signature from Gov. Mills. PFAS pollution is on its way out of our state!
[[link removed]]Making Producers Pay for Plastic Packaging Recycling
Here's another example of our state leading the way on environmental reform: Maine became the first state in the nation to enact legislation that would shift recycling costs from consumers to the producers of packaging materials! LD 1541 — a bill to support and improve municipal recycling programs and save Maine taxpayer money, was recently enacted by the legislature with bipartisan support. Again, this bill is waiting for the governor's signature, so please join us to ask Gov. Mills to sign the bill into law [[link removed]] .
[[link removed]]Investing in Land for Maine's Future
Our state's popular Land for Maine's Future (LMF) program that has conserved public access to land and water and protected farms, forests, and working waterfronts since 1987, is out of funding. We're working hard with stakeholders to ensure this program gets the funding it desperately needs. We'll have more updates when the legislature makes funding decisions on June 30. [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]Funding Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Projects
Fuel costs during Maine winters get very expensive, especially for Maine’s seniors, low-income residents, schools, and towns. That's why we're pushing for funding for energy efficiency and weatherization that will help Mainers reduce their heating costs. Fortunately, President Biden shares our Governor’s desire to fund these efficiency and weatherization programs. On June 30, we'll have more updates on this funding.
[[link removed]]Establishing a "Green Bank" to Pay for Climate Solutions
Last week the full legislature enacted, LD 1659, a bill that would create the Maine Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator (a "Green Bank") to make it easier to finance clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. The bill is awaiting Gov. Mills' signature.
Again, we can't thank supporters like you enough for your help this legislative session. We will report on final action in the weeks to come!
Yours,
Beth
[[link removed]]
DONATE [[link removed]] GIVE MONTHLY [[link removed]]CONNECT WITH US:
[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]
© 2021 Maine Conservation Voters
295 Water St.
Ste. 9
Augusta, ME 04330
United States
unsubscribe: [link removed]