Celebrate Earth Day With Us!
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We’re getting outside to enjoy our planet and give back in a 2-day Earth Day celebration! Join us April 21st & 22nd as we clean up our communities, hike the great outdoors, and march for environmental justice! Check out our Earth Day webpage to learn more and register for events.
Community Clean Ups
We’re giving back by picking up litter in our communities on Friday, April 21st, 9-11am in Portland and 2pm in Searsport. Join us at one or more of our clean ups! Please RSVP by clicking the links below so we are able to supply an adequate number of bags and gloves.
Interested in hosting your own clean up? Email Alyssa (alyssafhoward@gmail.com) with the day, time, and location, and we will add and promote your event on our website. Community members will be able to view and sign up from there! Have specific questions about hosting a clean up? Feel free to reach out to Alyssa for more details.
Outings
Earth Day is the perfect time to get outdoors to appreciate the beauty of Maine. Join us for our outing at Sebago Lake State Park on April 22nd, 9am-1pm! We will hike the park’s trails and then enjoy lunch at the campground near the lake. Click here for more info and to register!
Earth Day Strike
We're joining Maine Youth for Climate Justice for their Earth Day strike on April 22nd at 2pm at Monument Square in Portland. Come with signs and loud voices! Learn more and sign up here.
We look forward to celebrating with you! Keep an eye out for updates on our social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. #SCMaineEarthDay
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Did you know that Sierra Club runs thousands of outings each year? International and national outings make up only a small fraction of that total, with the vast majority run by local chapters or groups. By coupling a strong conservation program to outings, Sierra Club has built a cadre of people dedicated to preserving our natural heritage for future generations. The newly appointed Executive Director, Ben Jealous, is putting a renewed emphasis on outings. Consequently, local outings will enjoy more support from the national office.
Sierra Club Maine is in need of more local outings leaders. There is no lack of wonderful places to visit in Maine nor lack of interest in getting out to enjoy those places. Leaders can help engage people in our conservation programs because, unless one has familiarity or knowledge of something, they are unlikely to advocate to protect it.
Local outings become even more important when minority groups are in need of the benefits of outdoor experiences. Sierra Club has stressed the importance of connecting these groups to the outdoors through local outings, and is taking a hard look at impediments to those connections, such as need for transportation, remoteness of sizable public places, and lack of leaders.
Interested in becoming an outings leader? Training and support will be provided. Contact maine.chapter@sierraclub.org for more information.
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The Sierra Club Maine Legislative Team continues to be hard at work advocating for our priorities this Legislative Session. Since the beginning of the session, the team has testified on over 40 bills. In March, that included:
Looking ahead, the Legislative Team will continue to meet weekly on Mondays at 4:30pm on Zoom to discuss our priorities and advocacy. Join us by signing up for a meeting, or reach out to ania.wright@sierraclub.org for more information.
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Across the globe, young people are leading the fight for bold climate action and climate justice. What’s on your climate agenda? Water rights? The Pine Tree Amendment? A Consumer-Owned Utility? On Thursday, April 27th, 10am-1pm we will be gathering at the State House in Augusta for a Youth Day of Action hosted by Maine Youth for Climate Justice, Maine Youth Action, MEEA Changemakers, JustME for JustUS, Maine Youth Power, and Young People’s Caucus. This event will be a day for youth in Maine to mobilize and present our vision and demands for our future. Join us for a rally, press conference, lobbying, and networking. Register here and RSVP to the Facebook event here!
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Lithium Mining Prospect in Maine
By David von Seggern, Sierra Club Maine Volunteer
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Lithium, the lightest metal and third element on the atomic chart, has garnered world interest since the start of the electric vehicle industry due to the fact that its properties nicely align with the battery needs of these modern vehicles. For the foreseeable future, lithium-ion batteries will likely have no competition, and thus the demand for lithium will increase greatly as the energy transition plays out.
There are reasons to mine lithium domestically. One is that the US has relatively high standards for mining compared to some of the nations from which lithium is now extracted. Another is that we have become increasingly aware of the strategic value of domestic sources of valuable minerals, especially rare-earth ones. President Biden has made it clear that his administration will be supporting lithium mining in the US — see, for instance, the news that a lithium mining company will get a $700M government loan to develop its lithium prospect in western Nevada.
Mining has traditionally been a small industry in Maine, and has been further constrained by Maine’s 2017 legislation which basically makes it impossible to have large open-pit mining operations. Many people in Western states more friendly to mining are envious of Maine’s strict mining laws. While metallic mining is non-existent in Maine according to a 2015 report of the Maine Geological Survey, Maine’s quarrying industry, which includes stone, gravel, and sand, is robust; and we see many examples with stone in sturdy buildings and in other infrastructure throughout Maine. Continue reading here.
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Gov. Mills Outlines Bold Energy Vision
in State of the Budget Address
By David von Seggern, Sierra Club Maine Volunteer
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On Feb. 14, Gov. Mills gave the annual State of the Budget address. Among the many positive items in this address, the governor boldly stated: “I am announcing tonight that I am directing my Energy Office to draft legislation requiring that 100 percent of our electricity come from clean energy by 2040.” This advances the current clock on such an achievement by 10 years – no small change. It is a change that we, Sierra Club Maine, enthusiastically embrace.
The governor succinctly gave three reasons to do this. Firstly, “…we will reduce costs for Maine people.” One hardly needs to look beyond this winter’s explosive increases in electricity rates to support that reason. Bills have doubled or more for many residential and business customers compared to as little as two years ago. As USA Today reports, this is largely because of increases in natural gas prices. Related increases in oil, propane and kerosene prices for heating have been as burdensome as increases in electricity prices. As the Maine electricity grid becomes “cleaner,” with energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar, the volatility of fossil-fuel pricing will begin to disappear while relentless upward steps in energy costs for households and businesses will be a thing of the past by 2040 under the governor’s initiative.
Secondly, the governor stated: “…create new jobs and career opportunities that strengthen our economy.” Today, the jobs in Maine’s energy economy are largely in the distribution side of energy rather than its production. The current energy jobs will not only be replaced in the clean energy economy, but also multiplied by the needs of new infrastructure. Continue reading here.
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Climate Change is a Complex Issue.
It Requires a Complex Solution.
By Matt Cannon, Sierra Club Maine’s State Conservation & Energy Director
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In a recent commentary (“Maine Voices: Rethinking the future – how much growth do we want? ” Feb. 24), Jonette Christian of Mainers for Sensible Immigration Policy focuses on immigration and population as the primary factor in humans’ impact on the environment. Written well and seemingly innocuous, this piece espouses a simple, problematic solution for a complex problem. It also highlights a deep misunderstanding of people’s role and the environment, specifically in the United States, and creeps close to promoting xenophobia.
There is a longstanding formula to help identify human impacts on the environment: I=(PAT). Impact equals Population times Affluence (consumption) times Technology. In other words, our impact on the world has numerous factors. While one can and might be more of a factor at certain points, they have to be looked at together. Most issues are not black or white. There is nuance, and two things can be true at once: dialectical thinking.
Look at the science. It’s not only about population, but, specifically in the United States, it’s also about affluence and consumption. Continue reading here.
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Graphic by Green & Healthy Maine Homes
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EV EVent - Green Home + Energy Show
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Attend this year’s Green Home + Energy Show on Saturday, April 1st, 10am-4pm in South Portland! This event brings together the leaders in Maine’s sustainable home and energy industries. From solar power to heat pumps, air quality to air sealing, and electric vehicles to green home goods, you’ll find endless inspiration for creating your high-performing, green & healthy home —whether you are looking to build, buy or enhance an existing property. Test drive an electric vehicle at the EV Expo, enjoy coffee & lunch, shop sustainable goods at the Maine Makers Fair, and learn directly from experts at workshops! Register here, or purchase your ticket at the door.
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National Sierra Club Elections
Are Underway - VOTE!
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The annual election for Sierra Club’s Board of Directors (BOD) is underway. Each year, 5 of the 15 members of the BOD end their three-year term. Sierra Club members have the opportunity to vote to fill the empty seats. If you have been a member since 1/31/22, you are eligible to vote. Ballots will be sent to eligible voters in March. If you pre-registered to vote online, you’ll receive an email with instructions to do so. Paper ballots will arrive in the mail to all other voters.
How can you learn about the candidates? You can read each candidate’s bio and statement, as well as their answers to important forum questions online here. Learn more by asking questions of your chapter leadership and other experienced members.
Voting is Quick and Easy! If you received a paper ballot but would like to vote online, you can use the registration numbers you received in the mail to login to the e-voting site. If you vote online, do not send in your paper ballot. Ballots must be received no later than 12pm on April 26. If you’re voting by mail, please drop off your ballot with enough time for it to reach the facility in New York.
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Green Tip of the Month:
From Lawn to Wildflower Meadow
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Wayne Mezitt writes on his knowledge and experience with horticulture, sharing his expertise on turning lawns into wildflower meadows:
“Having devoted my career to horticulture in the nursery industry, I am pleased and gratified to acknowledge that so many people are now prioritizing the health of our environment as a key factor in ensuring their future quality of life. So much of our daily lives tends to focus on short-term issues and avoids those more difficult longer-term considerations. As helpful as it promises to be for pollinators and environmental well-being, developing a successful meadow unquestionably demands a long-term commitment of our time, resources, and patience, along with the motivation to justify what we are doing to potential critics.
Before embarking upon converting a lawn area into a wildflower garden, some fundamental considerations should be a priority. Why do we want to change from the existing situation? What outcomes are we seeking? What is our time horizon? How do we recognize and measure significant results? How much time, energy, and resources are reasonably available? The surest way to successfully establish a meadow is to emulate the species that grow naturally in similar conditions…” Continue reading here.
Do you have a green tip that you would like to have included in a future newsletter? Please share it with us here!
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Graphic by Ed Nolde, Artist & Sierra Club Maine Volunteer
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Here are some of the meetings and events we have coming up. We hope to see you soon!
- April 1, 10am-4pm: Green Home + Energy Show
- This event brings together leaders in Maine’s sustainable home and energy industries. Find inspiration for creating your high-performing, green & healthy home!
- Mondays at 4:30pm: Legislative Team Meetings
- April 4, 11:30am: Transportation Team Meeting
- Join our Team and ensure a clean and just transportation future for Maine!
- April 5, 5pm: Conservation/30x30 Team Meeting
- Learn how you can protect Maine's woods, water, and wildlife.
- April 27, 4pm: Events Team Meeting
- April 18, 12pm: Clean Energy Team Meeting
- Join our Team and ensure a clean and just energy future for Maine, specifically focused on renewable energy development!
- April 19, 5:30pm: Equity, Inclusion and Justice Team Meeting
- Help incorporate equity, inclusion and justice principles into the chapter's work.
- April 27th, 10am-1pm: Youth Day of Action at the State House in Augusta
- Join Maine youth as they mobilize and present their vision and demands for the future.
- May 4, 4pm: Volunteer Orientation
- Interested in volunteering? Join us to learn how!
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