Dear John,

In 2021, we secured incredible victories to combat the climate crisis, protect Maine's environment, strengthen our democracy, and further racial equity, thanks to our wonderful community of supporters.

This year, we are embarking on another ambitious year of fighting for climate action, protecting our lands, waters, and wildlife, and securing a healthier, more equitable, and just clean energy future for all.

You, our loyal supporters and activists, make this work possible. That's why I’m excited to share our top priorities for the coming months with you today, and ask for your help again to meet the urgency of the moment to protect our planet and the Maine we all love.

Pushing for national climate action.

Thanks to thousands of you who raised your voices last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most significant climate and jobs legislation in our nation’s history — the Build Back Better Act, our best chance to invest in climate solutions at the scale that science and justice demand.

Right now, it's up to the U.S. Senate to pass the bill. In Maine and across the country, the costs of inaction on climate are staggering — that's why, in 2022, we are more determined than ever to keep fighting for climate progress at the federal level.

Here's a quick look back at how MCV and our members helped shape the conversation around this historic legislation last year:

Protecting our environment and Maine communities.

When we work together with our allies across the state, we are more effective than we could ever be on our own.

Our sister organization — Maine Conservation Alliance — coordinates the Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC), a group of 37 climate, environmental, and public health organizations representing over 120,000 members. Each year, the EPC identifies a slate of priority bills that will have the greatest impact on protecting Maine’s environment, public health, and climate future.

For the 2022 legislative session, we are prioritizing seven critical bills to address equity, our environment, and the climate crisis. Here's a quick summary of the EPC's 2022 Common Agenda:

Strengthening our democracy.

We are proud to live in a state that leads the nation in accessible and secure voting rights. However, our work is not complete until every eligible voter has access to the ballot box. With attempts here in Maine and across the country to roll back voting protections, it's more important than ever to preserve our fragile democracy.

This month, Congress failed to pass urgent and popular legislation to protect our elections and voting rights — bills that were supported by three of the four members of Maine's federal delegation. We are disappointed in Sen. Susan Collins’ position, especially in light of her previous support for expanding voting rights.

Despite this setback, we are more determined than ever to work together with our allies to secure a healthy democracy for all.

Electing environmental champions.

On November 8, Mainers will cast their ballots for governor and state legislators. Who we elect matters. The obstacles to addressing the climate crisis are largely political, not scientific or economic. What we do over the next few years — and whom we elect — will determine what future we create for our children.

That’s why our Political Action Committee (PAC) — Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund — will be on the front lines, helping to elect a pro-conservation, pro-climate action governor and state legislature. The PAC will continue building the political power we need to tackle the climate crisis and fight for the clean air, beautiful waters, and treasured natural areas that provide critical habitat and make our state a special place to live.

We will keep you involved during this important election year. Your support of the PAC can help to ensure climate and environmental champions are elected at the polls in November.

Progress on every one of our 2022 priorities is possible and necessary. And it will take our collective strength and commitment to make it happen.

Still, it's important to be realistic. None of these victories will come easily.

As you know, this year's state legislative session is short, lawmakers will have many competing priorities, and our opponents will be working to stall or derail efforts to protect Maine's environment and strengthen our democracy. We'll be counting on help from conservation voters like you.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping to advance the progress we need.

With gratitude,

Maureen Drouin | she/her

Executive Director

Maine Conservation Voters

[email protected]

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