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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.