Environment
“If we destroy our environment, nothing else matters.”
These stark words guide my work in the Legislature. I’m committed to the hard work ahead to mitigate and respond to the effects of climate change. In 2019 we created the Maine Climate Council to bring together experts and leaders to plan concrete ways to reduce emissions by 80% and increase renewable energy sources by 100% by 2050. This collaborative work is under way and will lead to legislation in 2021. I’ll focus on the air quality and pollution mitigation aspects of the plan, from an environmental justice perspective. Low income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by pollution and the related threats to public health and well-being. Maine’s climate policies must reduce and redress environmental harm to disadvantaged communities.
I have worked to pass a number of laws that mitigate pollution, promote solar and renewable energy, and reduce climate change:
Closing Unused Oil Terminals: This session I wrote and passed our new law creating an environmentally safe and fiscally responsible process for closing unused oil terminal facilities and repurposing the land for residential use. “An Act to Ensure Proper Closure of Oil Terminal Facilities,” LD 2033, passed just before the Legislature adjourned on March 17th, requires oil terminal owners to remove tanks and equipment, and to clean up contaminated soil when the facilities are no longer used. Owners must also prove they have the funds to pay for the cost of cleaning, removal, and remediation of the site in order to receive an operating license.
Promoting Solar Power: Mainers will see immediate, tangible benefits from "An Act To Eliminate Gross Metering," LD 91. The new law makes sure consumers who produce electricity from solar panels get fair compensation for sending excess energy back to the grid, and earned my vote.
Backing the Green New Deal: Maine’s Green New Deal, LD 1282, earned my vote because it builds our renewable energy workforce by setting apprenticeship goals and promotes conservation and solar energy for schools.
Mitigating Climate Change: Maine will develop a comprehensive state plan as a result of "An Act To Establish the Maine Climate Change Council To Assist Maine To Mitigate, Prepare for and Adapt to Climate Change," LD 1679. I am proud to have voted for this new law that’s assembled the panel of experts working to identify and implement concrete ways to reduce air pollution and adapt to climate change.
Eliminating Foam Food Containers: I’m proud of my role in shaping Maine’s first-in-the-nation foam food container ban, LD 289, "An Act To Prohibit the Use of Certain Disposable Food Service Containers," which combined a polystyrene ban I proposed with a similar bill sponsored by Rep. Zeigler.
Food Packaging: "An Act To Protect the Environment and Public Health by Further Reducing Toxic Chemicals in Packaging," LD 1433, bans phthalates in food packaging and gives the DEP tools to phase out other harmful chemicals. I voted for this bill and will continue to work to eliminate toxins in our water, air and soil.
