Maine to Become the 6th State to Commit to 100% Clean Energy with Passage of LD 1494

Augusta, ME -- Last night, the Maine Legislature passed LD 1494 which increases the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050.

The amendments will reduce carbon pollution in the state and proactively address the climate crisis. The burning of dirty fuels like coal and gas for electricity have long endangered clean air and water with toxic pollution, harmed the health of Maine communities, and put them at risk due to the catastrophic events of climate change.

More than 150 Mainers from over 100 different cities and towns joined the Sierra Club in calling on their legislators to pass this law. When the Governor signs the bill, Maine will join California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington State, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico in adopting a 100 percent clean energy goal. The vote passed on the same day as New York committed to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050 through their climate legislation bill. 

In response, Alice Elliott, Maine Chapter Director of the Sierra Club issued the following statement:

“A huge thanks is in order to Maine legislators and Governor Janet Mills for having the vision to pursue legislation that will eliminate the release of carbon in the air and free our economy from the fossil fuel industry. We must dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions to avoid permanent damage to the state’s ecosystems, wildlife, and coastal towns. The climate crisis should be a non-partisan issue and getting Maine to 100 percent clean energy by 2050 is a great start to reducing emissions.”