2023 brought the 131st session of the Maine Legislature. Amidst raging wildfires bringing dangerous air quality to Maine, record rainfall, and one of the hottest years on record, the legislative team continued to advocate for addressing the climate crisis and social injustices through policy. The session came with some wins and some disappointments, but our goals remained steadfast—we need transformational and justice-centered policy change to create a Maine that is livable for all.
This session, over twenty volunteers met regularly to discuss policy, write testimony, and lobby our elected officials. The team wrote 86 pieces of testimony on behalf of the Maine Chapter, and catalyzed other Sierra Club members and supporters to get engaged. We worked tirelessly as a team to advocate for our priorities, writing numerous opinion letters in Maine newspapers appearing in over twenty written articles.
We were able to push forward environmental priorities this year, thanks to the tireless work of advocates. Some highlights included:
- LD 1895: An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, will generate not only a historic investment in affordable and reliable clean energy to power Maine’s homes, businesses, and transportation; but also an investment in the working Mainers needed to make it a reality.
- LD 71: Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 171: Control of Petroleum Storage Facilities, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection - A bill that will ensure that the ground-breaking fenceline monitoring around all tank farms in Maine that was passed through legislation in the 130th session will happen beginning in 2024, and will be paid for by the oil companies;
- LD 1246: An Act to Include Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat in the Definition of "Significant Wildlife Habitat" Under the Natural Resources Protection Act, will preserve biodiversity by minimizing development impacts to endangered and threatened species habitat in Maine.
We also faced major losses this year, despite holding a ‘democratic trifecta’ in Augusta—with Democratic majorities in the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office—which normally fares well for environmental and justice issues. We saw threats to community solar and municipal control of energy sources, unbalanced influence of fossil fuel and corporate lobbyists, and the possibility of nuclear infrastructure coming to Maine. We and the broader environmental community were able to fight these threats, but on others we were not so lucky.
We saw Governor Mills veto key legislation for justice for the Wabanaki Nations—LD 2004, and key bills on our environment and equity get watered down or ultimately not pass. Despite these losses, we must never give up on our vision for climate justice, and we are committed to continuing our work forward.
The legislature adjourned late this summer, and will return in January for the “short session” of the 131st legislature. The legislative team will continue to work to push for our priorities, and we hope you will join us in advocating for a just and livable future for all who call Maine home. You can check out all of our testimony and priorities on our website here.