2010 Maine Legislative Update

by Christian MilNeil

June 15, 2010

Topics: Conservation | Legislation

During the second session of the 124th Maine Legislature in Augusta, Maine Audubon advocated for a number of important actions to protect Maine’s environment and wildlife, including:

• reducing greenhouse gases here in Maine, and promoting efforts to help the state adapt to a warmer climate;
• protecting wildlife habitat by fostering stream connectivity that allows free movement and migration for fish and aquatic organisms, and
• eliminating the loophole that lets forest managers convert logging roads into development roads without environmental review.

In addition, Maine Audubon is part of the statewide Environmental Priorities Coalition, a partnership of environmental, conservation, and public health organizations in Maine representing over 100,000 members. Shared priorities for this legislative session include curbing and adapting to climate change as well as strengthening Maine’s protections against toxic pollution from pesticides, electronic waste, and flame retardants.

This session was a challenge, with a tough fiscal climate and tricky election-year politics. Maine Audubon and its allies in the Environmental Priorities Coalition were not able to get our top priority bills passed as originally configured, but scaled-down versions did pass and we positioned ourselves well for next year. We also blocked some harmful initiatives, including an effort to significantly reduce the Land for Maine’s Future bond that will be on the November ballot.

We thank the legislators who supported these important initiatives and our members and activists who supported our efforts. We could not have succeeded without you, and we look forward to engaging with you all during the summer and fall.

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