2013 Session in Review
Dear Maine Conservationist,
Maine people ushered in new, pro-conservation leadership in the 2012 legislative elections while Governor LePage remained in the Blaine House. This dynamic led to mixed results for the protection of Maine’s environment during the first half of the 126th Legislative Session.
Over 80 bills were vetoed by Governor LePage, including one that would have protected pregnant women and children from toxic chemicals and another that would have allowed the state to prepare for the effects of climate change.
There were other measures that became law without the Governor’s signature, however, including a bill to restore passage for alewives at two dams on the St. Croix River; one to establish a recycling program for household paint sold in Maine; and a ban on BPA in infant formula and baby food.
Some important bills did not even make it to the Governor’s desk. This was the unfortunate situation for a bill to protect Maine people and wildlife from water pollution like arsenic, lead and mercury that results from open-pit sulfide mining. The Senate failed to pass “An Act To Amend the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act To Protect Water Quality,” despite bipartisan support and a sizable victory in the House.
How did your legislators vote in the tense political atmosphere of the 2013 Legislative Session? Did they take action to safeguard Maine’s air, land, water and public health? Or did they push for legislation that weakens protections and degrades our environment?
We know you look to MCV’s Environmental Scorecard for non-partisan, objective information. For over 25 years, we’ve publicly reported how each legislator voted on bills protecting Maine’s environment. In addition, we feature high and low points of the session and highlight examples of political courage on both sides of the aisle.
We give you the score—the rest is up to you. It is crucial that your legislators hear from you with praise or disappointment. Please take a moment to contact your elected officials. You can do this directly from our website at www.maineconservation.org.
Thank you for your support this session and for standing with us to protect Maine’s natural heritage. As we look toward another legislative session in January, you can count on MCV to keep score and make sure Maine’s environment remains a priority for generations to come.
With appreciation,
Maureen Drouin, Executive Director
Dan Amory, Board President
