Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, and Black people’s unique contribution to the struggle for justice in this country. After a tumultuous year that brought to light the injustices Black folks in Maine and the nation face, this occasion presents a moment for reflection, and for Mainers to call for an end to systemic racism.
Please take a moment to sign up for one (or both!) of these Juneteenth events here and here this June 19th. Curious to learn more about the holiday’s history? Learn more about our nation’s second independence day here.
To learn more about why Sierra Club Maine is supporting Juneteenth Events and the Black Lives Matter Movement, please take a moment to read this article by Ramón Cruz, the President of Sierra Club Board of Directors. If you would like to be a part of these conversations with the Maine Chapter, please join us for our Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Working Group Meeting on June 9th.
Calling all Photographers!
Calling all photographers! Sierra Club Maine is seeking photos from across the state to feature in our marketing materials. From social media posts, to our annual calendar and more—your photo could be featured! Professionals and amateurs alike are encouraged to submit images of Maine landscapes, nature, and wildlife. Submit your photo here.
All photos must be submitted by July 15th for consideration in our 2022 calendar. Please email Maine.chapter@sierraclub.org with any questions.
Tracking National and State Goals for Climate Action
On Earth Day, President Biden announced the new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the United States, which pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 50-52% from 2005 levels by 2030, and to reach “net-zero ” by 2050. This is relatively in line with the State of Maine’s goals of reducing greenhouse emissions by 45% of 1990 levels by 2030, and reaching “net-zero” by 2050.
While these new goals have been portrayed as “bold,” they are not close to what is necessary. If the United States were to pay its fair share of emissions reductions, the country would have to commit to a total of 195% reductions of 2005 levels by 2030. To stay below 1.5 degrees of warming and hold our governments accountable, we need people power! Sign up to volunteer with us to get involved in the work our chapter is doing to hold our leaders accountable.
Take Action to Stop Wolfden’s Dangerous Mining Proposal
Wolfden Resources is a virtually unknown company that has petitioned the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to rezone land near Pickett Mountain for metal mining. The company has no actual mining experience, little money, and has not provided accurate or timely information about its plans. You can learn more with this great resource from the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Please contact the Land Use Planning Commission to reject Wolfden’s application for rezoning. You can make your own voice heard by sending an email to the staff at LUPC stating your opposition to the rezoning at Wolfdenrezoning.LUPC@maine.gov.
Legislative Update
The Legislature has finished their committee work, and oh what a run! Most of our priority bills were heard in the last few weeks of committee work. Although many of them have been voted on by the full Legislature, we still have a few that need your help, specifically the consumer owned utility: LD 1708. Please contact your legislator one last time to get this over the finish line!
Overall, it has been a great session, and we will follow up with a full report once the session is officially over, but you can see our submitted testimony here. We submitted testimony on over 55 bills, most of which were written by our volunteer Legislative Team members. We regularly had dozens of volunteers actively working to influence legislation: an incredible year!
Green Tip of the Month
Biking is a healthy, fun, and green way to get around. As short driving trips are particularly bad for the environment, burning fuel and creating pollution at higher rates than long trips, Maine would benefit if short car trips were replaced by walking or biking when possible. Not sure where to start? I've included a short list of tips to help you get those wheels spinning again. Check out Bicycle Coalition of Maine's website or visit your local bike shop for more information.
The Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) is organizing the first statewide Climate Education Summit! On the leading edge of aligning state climate education with upcoming national guidelines, MEEA, the Changemakers Network, JustME for JustUS, the Nature Based Education Consortium, and Maine Climate Action Now, identified the need for a convening event where organizations working on intersectional climate and climate justice education can learn about the work of one another, build a shared vision about climate education and literacy in Maine, and start to identify strategies that will support the advancement of critical climate and climate justice education statewide.
