Urge your legislators to support a Maine consumer-owned utility
March 2020
Consumer-Owned Utility is the Best Pathway to Net Zero Emissions
New study confirms financial benefits for Mainers in the long-term.
Sierra Club Maine strongly supports consumer ownership of Central Maine Power (CMP) and Emera Maine as an indispensable step toward a zero-carbon future. In addition, the recent findings of the London Economics International (LEI) study confirm that a consumer-owned utility (COU) has financial benefits for Maine over a 30-year horizon. The study also confirmed that there is no legal obstacle to moving ahead with a consumer-owned utility that would acquire and operate all electrical transmission and distribution systems now owned by CMP and Emera Maine. Unfortunately, the study has serious flaws, most notably it fails to note that Maine is beginning a vital transition to clean energy which will be greatly facilitated with a consumer-owned utility. In fact, such a utility is the best pathway to being able to afford the transition to net zero carbon emissions. In addition it promises better reliability. Local control puts us in the drivers seat, and well run consumer-owned utilities can contribute 27 percent more of their revenue back to their communities. Passage of LD 1646, currently in the Maine Legislature, would make a consumer-owned utility a reality. We're asking Sierra Club Maine members and activists to contact their state representatives today and urge them to vote for this important bill. (Graphic created by brgfx - www.freepik.com— go to https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/tree)
Also Ask Your Representatives to Support These Important Bills:
LD 2104: An Act to Increase The Recycling of Packaging LD 1142: An Act to Expand Transportation Services for Seniors Who Are MaineCare Members LD 1634: An Act To Create The Maine Clean Energy Fund And to Authorize A General Fund Bond Issue to Capitalize The Fund LD 1888: An Act to Protect Children from Toxic Chemicals LD 1915: An Act Directing The Department of Environmental Protection to Evaluate Emissions from Heated Aboveground Petro and Storage Tanks LD 2094: An Act to Implement the Recommendations of The Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act LD 2112: An Act to Limit The Use of Hydrofluorocarbons to Fight Climate Change
For more information on contacting legislators and other Sierra Club Maine priority bills click here.
Conservation Lobby Day: Your Voice Can Make a Difference in Augusta
Conservation Lobby Day Thursday, March 26, 2020—8:45 am–11:30 am State House, Augusta (Registration at Cross Cafe in the Cross Building, across from the State House)
During Lobby Day you will team up with other community members to speak up for the environment and gain the skills to be a persuasive constituent. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to lobby effectively, hear from environmental champions, and meet face-to-face with your elected officials to advance the Environmental Priorities Coalition's (EPC) 2020 priorities (Sierra Club Maine is an EPC member). Let's show up in force and build on the incredible momentum we've built so far. Be sure to wear green to show your support for environmental protection! For more information and to register click here.
Maine Voters Will Decide on the CMP Transmission Corridor
Secretary of State says anti-corridor referendum drive qualifies for the November ballot.
A referendum that will allow Maine voters to decide whether Central Maine Power (CMP) should be allowed to move forward with a 145-mile transmission corridor through Maine has qualified for the November 2020 ballot. The CMP plan, called New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) would transmit megadam generated electricity from Canada to Massachusetts. Sierra Club Maine and numerous other groups around the state are gearing up for a tough campaign to bring about a "no" vote on NECEC. CMP and Hydro-Quebec have already spent millions of dollars deceptively promoting NECEC as a clean energy solution. Millions more in promotions and advertising are expected in the coming months.
The Importance of Carbon Sequestration in Reducing Emissions
The Colby Carbon Team and Sierra Club Maine make a presentation to the Maine Climate Council's land group.
On February 14, the Colby Carbon Forest Team, of which Sierra Club Maine is a member, submitted a policy framework to a meeting of the Natural and Working Lands Group of the Maine Climate Council regarding how forest carbon sequestration can help Maine achieve carbon neutrality. In the Forest Carbon Teams presentation, Colby student Will Seivwright noted that carbon sequestration is a positive externality—it benefits society but isn’t recognized in the marketplace. Therefore government action is necessary. As a pilot program for that government action, the Forest Carbon Team proposed a pilot program of income tax credits for small woodlot owners who practice sound woodlot management practices. Such a policy could significantly increase the amount of forest carbon sequestration in the state. It was noted that further study is needed to determine the best approaches the state might take to further increase the levels of forest sequestration in Maine. The Chapter’s Maine Woods Team leader, Denny Gallaudet, who attended the meeting, noted that a short list of other possible strategies were discussed. That list includes exploring forest carbon incentives for woodlot owners, continuing existing programs such as Tree Growth, and improving technical assistance from the state for landowners to implement sound sequestration practices. “The Maine Woods is a tremendous asset to the region in sequestering carbon," Gallaudet says. "The Maine Woods is currently sequestering around 12 million metric tons of CO2 annually and could easily get to 15 million with additional economic incentives and good management practices (Maine is currently emitting 15.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually). Small woodlot owners could make a real contribution in the area of carbon sequestration. All of us on the Colby Carbon Team look forward to assisting the Maine Climate Council in that effort.”
Last Chance to Sign Up For Outdoor Leadership Training
Saturday, March 14—9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 83 Captain Perry Dr, Phippsburg
Do you like to explore the Maine outdoors with likeminded people? Why not consider becoming a Sierra Club outings leader—it’s fun and rewarding. Our March 14 workshop is what you need to become a Sierra Club outings leader or co-leader. This training, a Sierra Club membership, and an active first aid training certificate are all you need to start co-leading on Sierra Club Maine outings. The key to leading successful outings is to be sure that they are well within the comfort zone for both you and your fellow outings' participants. Training day is fast approaching. Please RSVP here as soon as possible if you would like to attend.
SolaRISE Maine Schools Summit March 17—5 to 8 p.m. Space Gallery, 538 Congress Street, Portland
Casco Bay High School senior Siri Pierce wants Portland schools to run on clean solar energy. Toward that goal, Siri is partnering with Sierra Club Maine and ReVision Energy in organizing a conference for Maine students, and others, who are interested in getting their school districts to transition to solar power. The SolaRISE Maine Schools Summit will be held on March 17 at the Space Gallery from 5 to 8 p.m. If you are interested in attending the summit, please sign up here. Signup is not required, but strongly encouraged.
Maine Climate Table Webinar https://maineclimatetable.org/webinars/ March 20—12 to 1 p.m. Ellen Griswold and John Hagan will discuss natural climate solutions.
World Water Day Community Speaking Forum Sunday, March 22nd 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Community Speaking Forum University of Southern Maine Wishcamper Center, Portland
Every year the United Nations holds World Water Day on March 22nd. The theme of World Water Day 2020 links water issues and climate change. This comes at a time when states throughout the Northeast are importing, or preparing to import, dirty hydropower produced by megadams in Canada. Hydropower is a false solution to the climate crisis and violates the water and human rights of front-line communities around the world. Also, there are organized efforts throughout Maine to secure protections, rights, and accessibility for groundwater which is being threatened by privatization and extreme extraction due to multinational corporate interests. We invite you to come meet friends and neighbors working on these issues and join the discussion on developing solutions to these complex problems. These events will feature Indigenous and allied water protectors, climate activists, and environmentalists who will share their experiences and participate in group discussions. Click here for more information.
Eco-Anxiety: Responding to the Challenge of Our Time Saturday, April 18, 2020—9 am to 4 pm. The COESPACE, Columbia Street, Bangor
Worrying about climate change is affecting more people as we see its devestating impacts increasing around the world. But there are solutions that can help reduce this anxiety and climate breakdown. Join us at this free workshop for all or part of the day to: • Explore the impacts of climate changes on Maine • Validate eco-anxiety as a sane, healthy response • Learn to make friends with uncertainty • Experience a sense of kinship with the natural world as practiced by Native Americans and Zen meditators • Find ways to engage with local groups to reduce anxiety and climate breakdown • Find joy in measuring up to the great trumpet call of our time, taking action and responding to the eco-crisis with newfound resiliency and creativity. To register for this free workshop and receive more information, email zendowneast@bostonzen.org Sponsored by EcoSattvas DownEast, Sierra Club Maine, and the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine.
Kittery Looking for Help to Launch Ready for 100 Group
A small group of Kittery organizers are working on the launch of a Kittery Ready for 100 group. The group needs some Kittery community leaders/volunteers to help form the initial steering committee and get the ball rolling. A kickoff meeting will be scheduled for late March or April—watch for further announcements. For more information contact John Werner, a Kittery resident, at jwernernjit@gmail.com. John has served on the York Ready for 100 group since the beginning of 2019 and is currently active on the York Ready for 100 Steering Team, the Education Team, and the Waste Reduction and Diversion (WRAD) Team.
York Ready for 100's Newsletter is Full of Valuable Information
Read about local green challenges, the best ways to reduce waste, new incentives to become more energy-efficient in Maine, upcoming educational events, and much more in York Ready for 100's online newsletter, Getting Ready.
New Members Bring Valuable Experience to Executive Committee
Sierra Club Maine recently welcomed three new members to its executive committee. Sarah Leighton (photo at left) is the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer for the YMCA of Southern Maine where she has worked since March 2015. Previously, she worked in development and communications at BlueHub Capital (formerly Boston Community Capital), a nonprofit community development financial institution. Sarah was also a founding Board Fellow for the startup Solstice, whose mission is to put affordable clean energy within reach of every American. In addition to a BA from St. Michael's College she earned an MBA in nonprofit management from Brandeis University. As an executive committee member, Sarah wants to draw on her experience to provide organizational and fundraising support for the Chapter’s work. Sarah enjoys hiking, sailing, skiing, gardening, and hooking rugs. She lives in Dresden with her husband, Ryan, and her yellow lab, Nixie.
Portland resident Luke Truman (photo at right) works in the craft beer industry as facilities manager at Allagash Brewing Company. He also serves on Allagash's sustainability steering committee and as a member of the Brewers Association's sustainability subcommittee.
Luke says he’s been aware of the Sierra Club for as long as he can remember. “My first real experience with the Sierra Club was during a screening of Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America in 2004," Luke remembers. “That experience altered the trajectory of my life as well as my value system.” As a Chapter leader Luke hopes to support current and budding Climate Action teams in their work to implement local climate solutions. Currently, Luke spends much of his nonworking time with his wife Lauren and young children, Henry and Eleanor. Otherwise, he loves tools and working with his hands as well as exploring the mountains and the coastline of Maine. Also joining the Chapter leadership team is David Gibson. David has over a decade of experience implementing climate solutions. For five years, he led the development of Envirolution’s ‘Project ReCharge‘, a training program for middle and high school students to learn how to make their homes and schools more efficient. From 2014-2016, he implemented efficiency programs statewide in Nevada for the Governor’s Office of Energy, where he helped create the HEROS Program for low-income seniors, and developed over $50 million in self-funding Performance Contracting projects for public buildings. David, a resident of Morrill, designs solar and heat pump systems for ReVision Energy, helping residents across Maine to transition away from fossil fuels.
And Some Changes in the Chapter Staff
Alice Elliott (photo at left) recently ended her tenure as Chapter director to pursue other opportunities. Alice had served in the position since September, 2018. "We're very appreciative of Alice's work for Sierra Club Maine for the past year and a half, and we wish her well in her new pursuits,” noted Chapter Chair Sue Levene. In addition, Matt Cannon photo at right) was promoted to Campaign and Policy Associate Director for the Chapter. Matt was previously serving in the role of Communications Assistant. "Matt’s knowledge, skills and work ethic, is a great asset to our chapter, and I'm looking forward to his contributions in his new role," Levene said. Before joining the Sierra Club Maine staff last summer, Matt worked at the University of Southern Maine with the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and the New England Environmental Finance Center. Prior to that, he was executive director of a land trust on Cape Cod. Matt also has volunteer experience with the Sierra Club having worked with the Chapter’s legislative team and prior to that as an executive committee member for the Cape Cod Sierra Club Group. Matt, a Connecticut College graduate, is currently a part-time student in the master’s degree program in public policy at Tufts University.
