Sierra Club Maine is moving forward with our lawsuit filed in October 2020, seeking the appropriate level of environmental review for the massively destructive NECEC transmission corridor. We expect to brief the case for the district court in October but do not expect a decision until after the Citizens’ Initiative Referendum in November. Working with our partners, Appalachian Mountain Club and Natural Resources Council of Maine, we will continue to make the case that the Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) and the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decisions to permit the NECEC transmission line were unlawful.
The lawsuit against the Corps and DOE was filed for three reasons: lack of transparency, inadequate Environmental Impacts Analysis, and the extraordinary climate impacts of energy Canadian hydroelectric dams (megadams) it would supply. Although our opponents would like to dismiss our claims, federal law requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as was done for all the previous large scale transmission applications in other New England states including the most recent Northern Pass in New Hampshire. We began requesting an EIS in 2019, but the Corps and DOE have ignored that request. Continue reading here.
Right now, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape our society and economy by passing critical legislation: an infrastructure package to tackle climate change, create jobs, and address racial injustice; and bold democracy reforms like the For the People Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
Help us demand that Congress fulfill their duty by building back bolder and restoring the unmet promises of our democracy. Take Action Here!
We hope you will also join us for our Summer Training Series. This will provide you with resources to be an effective advocate and ensure bold action at the federal level.
In Maine, staffers Ania Wright and Matt Cannon will be organizing our efforts to influence our federal delegation. Keep an eye out for updates and other ways to get involved in the coming weeks!
This August Recess, when our members of Congress are back home to hear from their constituents, we’ll make it clear that we will accept nothing less than a fully functioning democracy and an economy that sustains both people and the planet. The stakes are too high to sit this one out. Let’s do this!
New Book Just Released!
"Advocating for the Environment, How to Gather Your Power and Take Action" By Susan B. Inches
Advocating for the Environment is based on a vision where all life is respected, revered and nurtured. The shifts we need to achieve this vision are profound—from how we do business, to how we educate, govern, and care—for people and all life on the planet.
Part I begins with how we must learn to think differently, in order to achieve this vision and heal the planet. It discusses story telling, empathy, worldviews, and how effective communication can help us collaborate with others, even those with opposing views. It shows the important role citizen advocates play in achieving a healthy future.
Part II of the book is all about action. How to use power for good, how to work with decision makers, how to organize events, manage a coalition, communicate with the public, and work with the media are all laid out in an easy-to-read and reference format. Advocating for the Environment is a guide to environmental action that readers will want to read and keep for reference, for years to come.
For more information, visit www.sueinches.com. You can purchase the book from your local bookstore, from the author, or from Amazon.com.
Outings Are Back!
Our outings program is ramping back up and we want to spend time in nature with you! Our first offering is a mid-week camping meetup at Mt. Blue State Park, Aug 9-13th. We are excited for some adventure and in-person socializing! Feel free to come for a night, or all four. You can register here, and please include your plans in the comments field. Stay tuned for official adventure details and additional outings!
Introducing the Ready for 100 Activist Toolkit
Sierra Club learned from local campaigns across the nation to build a one-stop shop for helping your community reach 100% clean, renewable energy. And now, we have launched the Ready For 100 Activist Toolkit—a blueprint for starting, and winning, local clean energy campaigns.
The Ready For 100 Activist Toolkit will help YOU drive this kind of change in your community. In the Toolkit, you’ll find a step-by-step roadmap on how to build, launch, and win a campaign that centers the voices of communities most affected by the climate crisis. Get started today with the Ready For 100 Activist Toolkit!
Last Call for Executive Committee Nominations
Do you want to make a meaningful difference by helping Sierra Club Maine ensure a clean and just economy, elect pro-environment candidates, and protect Maine’s woods and waters for generations to come? Consider serving as a member of Sierra Club Maine’s Executive Committee. The committee sets the Chapter’s priorities, goals, and strategies which directly impact our state.
Committee positions are available to all Sierra Club members. If you’re a member (or know a member) with an interest in supporting Sierra Club’s work in Maine, please complete this form by August 3rd. The Sierra Club is committed to seeking a diverse pool of candidates and encourages members from any geographical region in Maine, background, race, gender, age, or identity to apply.
Take This 2 Question Survey
Do you want to save Maine’s environment while reducing your taxes?
Are you at least 70½ years or older?
If you answered YES to both of the questions above, consider a charitable IRA rollover!
Use your required minimum distribution (RMD) for good. If you are at least 70½ years of age, you can satisfy your RMD and save on taxes by making a gift to support Sierra Club Maine’s charitable programs through the Sierra Club Foundation directly from your IRA.
With an IRA Charitable Rollover, you can see the impact your gift has in protecting Maine’s environment throughout your lifetime.
Funds remaining in retirement accounts after your lifetime are heavily taxed if left to someone other than a spouse. Many donors choose to use their IRA resources for charitable giving, while leaving other less tax burden assets to family and friends.
Designating your gift to “Sierra Club Maine” will protect Maine’s environment for generations to come. For more information, please contact Sarah at sarah.leighton@sierraclub.org or 207-761-5616.
Green Tip of the Month
by Kyle Bonus, Volunteer
When spending time under the sun, remember to keep the environment in mind when choosing your sunscreen. Chemicals commonly found in sunscreen can pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems when washed off in waterways and in the shower. Picking an ocean safe sunscreen can be tricky, as "reef safe" labeling is unregulated and can be deceiving. To avoid misleading labels, make sure to read ingredient lists and look out for oxybenzone, octinoxate, and nano titanium dioxide, all believed culprits of Marine harm. In addition to using ocean safe sunscreen, use other methods of sun protection including staying in the shade and wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear.
