2026 Session in Review
Strong and effective leadership is crucial in this moment when environmental protections, climate progress, and democratic institutions face growing attacks nationwide. Here at home, Mainers are facing rising electricity costs, high gas prices, and new challenges around water pollution, data centers, and increasingly severe climate impacts.
Alongside our partners, allies, and supporters like you, Maine Conservation Voters entered the 2026 legislative session determined to fight for a cleaner environment, accountability for corporate polluters, and a natural legacy conserved for future generations.
The 2026 legislative session marked the final one of Governor Mills’ tenure. Our scorecard includes a special gubernatorial retrospective reviewing her work to build on progress, enact new solutions, and make course corrections.
The good news is that the legislature and governor rose to the challenge, passing policies to help shield Mainers from rising utility costs and expand access to clean energy, including plug-in solar. They also made progress toward holding the largest oil and gas corporations accountable for climate damages, funded land conservation, and advanced important tribal priorities.
One exception was the governor’s disappointing veto of important legislation to enact a temporary moratorium on the development of large-scale data centers. This would have given legislators time to address the impact of these power-hungry and resource intensive developments on communities, energy systems, and natural resources.
The accomplishments of the session would not have been possible without legislative champions, coalition partners, advocates, and supporters like you who testified, contacted elected officials, organized in your communities, and spoke up for change.
We are profoundly grateful for your support and the many ways you help power this work. We invite you to explore the 2026 Environmental Scorecard and use it to thank your elected officials who stood up for conservation, climate action, and democracy.
Together, let’s keep building a healthier, more resilient future for all people in Maine.
