Emily Pomilio, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org, 480-286-0401
Sue Levene, suelevene@maine.sierraclub.org
AUGUSTA, ME -- Today, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed three climate and clean energy bills into law, representing the changing tide in the state’s leadership on climate action.
Governor Mills signed:
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LD 1494, which increases the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. With the signing of this bill into law, Maine joins California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington State, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and 130 cities nationwide aiming for 100 percent clean electricity;
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LD 1679, which creates a Climate Council to engage stakeholders in “mitigating, preparing for, and adapting” to the climate crisis;
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LD 1711, which calls upon the Public Utilities Commission to increase distributed generation across the state and solicits bids for up to 400 MW of solar.
This legislative session, Sierra Club members from over 100 different cities and towns called on their legislators to pass these bills. The Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club will continue to work with partners across the state, including the Environmental Priorities Coalition, to represent Maine communities and ensure state leaders represent grassroots interests in the move to clean energy. The Chapter also supports local Ready for 100 Action campaigns working to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy in their own communities.
In response, Sue Levene, chair of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, issued the following statement:
“This is a landmark day for Maine. After years of inaction at the state level, Mainers’ concerns for clean air, healthy communities, equitable access to a renewable energy economy, and a stable climate are finally translating into action from our state leaders. We don’t have a moment to waste when it comes to building a future that protects our land, water, and communities. The Sierra Club looks forward to supporting the Mills Administration and partnering with communities and stakeholders across the state in implementing these ambitious policies in a way that benefits everyone in our state, and for all generations to come.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.