DownloadStatus: Enacted
Climate change threatens our health, our environment, and our economy. Transitioning to a clean energy economy will reduce carbon pollution, mitigate the impacts of climate change, create well-paying jobs, and help make Maine energy independent. Modernizing Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is key to this transition. Under prior law, the Continue...
Status: Enacted
Using solar energy makes our air cleaner, stabilizes our climate, fosters energy independence, and strengthens our economy. After years of failed attempts to enact solar policy, Maine finally passed legislation to boost solar energy utilization for Maine schools, municipalities, and residents. LD 1711 calls for at least 375 megawatts of Continue...
Status: Enacted
Governor Mills introduced bold legislation to address the threat climate change poses to Maine’s economy, environment, and to the health of Mainers. LD 1679 establishes the Maine Climate Council, charged with reducing Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050. The Continue...
Status: Enacted
Single-use plastic shopping bags litter our lands and pollute our waters, clog storm drains, and damage recycling equipment. Scientists warn that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish and these plastic bags threaten the health of marine mammals, fish, and birds. Globally, stores distribute about Continue...
Status: Enacted
With the passage of LD 289, Maine became the first state in the country to ban single-use food and drink containers made from polystyrene foam (commonly known by the trade name Styrofoam). These containers are a major source of plastic pollution. Because they are lightweight and non-recyclable, Styrofoam containers are Continue...
Status: Enacted
LD 1775 creates a new designation of “sustenance fishing” under Maine’s water quality classification system. With this designation, the state will upgrade water quality criteria in waterbodies delineated in statute as providing important sources of fish for Maine’s tribes. The new legal designation will enable safe consumption of up to Continue...
Status: Defeated
Governor Mills introduced a $20 million bond bill to fund the popular Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program, which is out of money. LMF protects high value recreational and conservation lands, and preserves valuable farmlands and working waterfronts. Since 1987, the program has protected more than 1,200 miles of shoreline Continue...