2014 Session in Review
Dear Friend of Maine,
Summer may be waning, but Maine is at its best this time of year. Gardens are ready to harvest. Canoes and bicycles lean against the house, ready for use. Everywhere in Maine, summer days are warm and blue skies beckon.
Here at Maine Conservation Voters, we spent the winter and spring taking part in legislative battles at Maine’s State House to protect our air, land and water. Now we have tallied up the votes and are pleased to present our Environmental Scorecard for 2014. Our scorecard presents, in context, the votes of each legislator on the key environmental bills of the session—as well as shining a light on those who advanced and those who undermined key protections.
The Legislature passed several pro-environment measures this spring: a bond issue for clean water infrastructure, state policy to plan for solar power, and establishment of a commission to study the effects of ocean acidification on Maine’s coastal fisheries. In addition, the Legislature put the brakes on a damaging rollback of the state’s metallic mining laws.
But some bills—despite passing with overwhelming majorities—never became law. Governor Paul LePage vetoed dozens of bills. Bringing more farm-fresh food to Maine schools—vetoed. Rebates for solar panel installation—vetoed. Strengthening lake protection programs—vetoed.
And despite strong support these measures received in initial votes, many legislators regularly switched their votes to support the Governor’s vetoes. That should not be the Maine way. Conservation of our environment is a value all Mainers share, regardless of party.
But you can help. You already know what is at stake: Maine’s clean air and water, wildlife and wild places, the health of our kids and grandchildren, our changing climate. Now is the time to get involved. Develop a relationship with your legislators. Let them know you are watching. And let them know that Maine’s environment is important to you, your family, your business—your future.
Thank you, if you are already a supporter of Maine Conservation Voters. If not, please spend some time reading our environmental scorecard, then visit us on the web at www.maineconservation.org and make a gift to support this important work.
Sincerely,
Maureen Drouin, Executive Director
Dan Amory, Board President
