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Dear John,

Over the last few years, countless discussions about progress and opportunities for climate action in Maine have taken place over Zoom… last Friday, these conversations looked a little different.
More than 400 community leaders, scientists, state legislators, tribal citizens, federal delegation members and staff, students, and representatives from dozens of environmental nonprofits, public health groups, schools, land trusts, and government agencies came together for the State of Maine’s FIRST climate conference.

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We had a lot to talk about! In 2020, Maine released a bold plan to tackle climate change [[link removed]] with strategies to accelerate adoption of cleaner technologies including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and properly-sited renewable power generation; goals to increase the total acreage of conserved lands in Maine to 30% by 2030; guidelines for a new, ongoing Equity Subcommittee to ensure that Maine’s climate strategies benefit all Maine people; and more.

Executive Director Maureen Drouin, Director of Government Affairs Beth Ahearn, Communications Manager Ches Gundrum, and I at the Communities Leading on Climate conference.

Under the incredible leadership of Gov. Mills, this plan – Maine Won’t Wait – is well underway. Initiatives to help power Maine homes with clean energy, expand Maine’s Ecological Reserve System, fund opportunities for climate education for Maine students, and weatherize homes, businesses, schools, and public buildings to reduce energy costs and generate savings for Mainers are all examples of how Maine’s Climate Action Plan has been transformed into action.

[link removed] [[link removed]] The Communities Leading on Climate conference marks an important moment of reflection for all of us at Maine Conservation Voters. So often, climate advocates – like us – are so laser-focused on the urgent, necessary work ahead that we forget to pause and celebrate how much we have achieved together already.

The hopeful energy was palpable at Maine’s first-ever climate conference. Through the dedicated work of a broad cross-section of Maine leaders and the strong support of people and communities across our state, we are charting a bold new direction for Maine’s clean energy and climate future.

We’re taking time to soak up the dozens of conversations we had with folks across Maine and all of the inspirational stories we heard of communities that aren’t backing down from tackling climate change.

This work only happens with you – our dedicated members and supporters – by our side. And we want to hear from you! Click here to share what excites you about climate action progress in Maine and what your community is doing to tackle the crisis [[link removed]] .

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I’ll leave you with these powerful words from the conference’s keynote speaker, White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy:
“Maintaining creativity and excitement is incredibly important while we continue to work together – government to government – in these efforts to tackle climate change at the pace and breadth that science demands. Nothing is more important than collaboration.”

Yours,
Kathleen

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Kathleen Meil | she/her
Director of Policy & Partnerships
Maine Conservation Voters
[email protected] [[email protected]]

P.S. Click here [[link removed]] to read through MCV’s Twitter thread from the conference!

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