Environmental Coalition Stakes Out Priorities for Lawmakers

Clean Energy, Chemical Exposure, and Resource Protection Targeted for Action

January 29, 2009--They came to the State House from all over Maine – an outdoor recreation advocate from Madawaska, a farmer from Waldoboro, a mother of two from Portland, a nurse from Hallowell, a river conservation supporter from Oxford Hills and an energy auditor from Rockland. At a press conference convened by almost 30 of Maine’s environmental, conservation, and health organizations, they spoke about Maine people’s vision for the future and what legislators can do today to protect Maine’s natural heritage.

John Ezzy, Executive Director of Four Seasons Trail Association in Madawaska, told lawmakers it’s important to think long-term. He stated, “Maine’s beautiful environment is the river that runs through all of us. Who we are, what we value, what we do for work, and what we do for fun all have their roots in our environment. We need strong leadership in Augusta to make sure we preserve this key to our way of life. That starts with supporting these seven priorities, including investing in the Land for Maine’s Future Program.”

More than two dozen organizations comprising Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition have produced a Common Environmental Agenda to help guide legislators for the fifth straight year. Six priority bills include efforts to protect rivers and land, reduce climate change, protect people and businesses from exposure to dangerous chemicals, and make it easier for Mainers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. The list includes a seventh priority that is not a bill but a standard for the Legislature to follow: no weakening of current environmental protections.

Sandra Hughes Goff, a mom from Portland was there to talk about climate and energy planning. She stated, “The State of Maine can no longer afford to overlook climate and energy demands within state planning, projects and permitting. By establishing clear-cut guidelines to ensure public and private development is as clean and energy efficient as possible, Maine people and businesses can thrive.”

Sandra Armington, a pediatric nurse from Hallowell, focused on preventing harm from the mercury in fluorescent light bulbs. She urged legislators to take immediate action and stated, “There are simple things you can do in the coming months that will make a huge difference in the health and prosperity of every Maine resident. Fluorescent lights work well and save money, so it’s important that they are safe to use and safe to dispose of. That’s something every family and every business can support.”

Lee Dassler, Executive Director of the Western Foothills Land Trust, spoke about the importance of ensuring some of Maine’s outstanding rivers were adequately protected from pollution. She stated, “Maine’s waterways, like the Crooked River, are the lifeblood of our state and of our communities. They provide beauty, drinking water, homes for plants and animals, and countless business opportunities. We have a responsibility to protect these beautiful waterways on the priority list.”

Jo Ann Myers, an organic farmer in Waldoboro expressed concern over the dangers of pesticide spray to neighbors and small farmers. She stated, “All we’re asking is ‘say before you spray’. By creating a simple, clear, and comprehensive notification system, no business or family will need to worry about their crops, their health, or damage to their property from off-target pesticide spray. It’s just common sense.”

Richard Burbank, an energy auditor, trainer and home performance contractor from Rockland said, “There’s no better investment in Maine’s future than getting us on the road to energy independence. That’s got to start with a simple and streamlined efficiency and weatherization effort that everyone can benefit from. What grows from there are new businesses, good jobs, and more money to support our local economy. Everyone wins when we invest in a cleaner energy future.”

The Environmental Priorities Coalition is an influential voice at the Maine State House and has a strong track record of success. In 2007 and 2008, nine of its ten priority bills were passed by the Maine Legislature and signed into law. In addition, several partner organizations use the Common Environmental Agenda as the foundation for their legislative “report cards.”

Maureen Drouin, Executive Director of Maine Conservation Voters, spoke for the Coalition and stated, “Protecting and preserving Maine’s environmental legacy takes vision and vigilance. Maine lawmakers have an important role to play and we’re counting on them to support our Common Environmental Agenda and help preserve our precious environment so Maine people and Maine’s economy can thrive.”

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Background:
Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition is a partnership of 27 environmental, conservation, and public health organizations in Maine representing over 100,000 members. Its goal is to provide lawmakers with a roadmap for protecting Maine people and promoting prosperity for today and future generations.

Get fact sheets on priority bills here.

The Environmental Priorities Coalition includes:

American Lung Association of Maine
Appalachian Mountain Club
Atlantic Salmon Federation
Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Conservation Law Foundation
Environmental Health Strategy Center
Environment Maine
Environment Northeast
Friends of Casco Bay
Izaak Walton League of Maine
Maine Audubon
Maine Center for Economic Policy
Maine Congress of Lake Associations
Maine Council of Churches
Maine Council of Trout Unlimited
Maine Conservation Voters Education Fund
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
Maine People’s Alliance
Maine Rivers
Natural Resources Council of Maine
Northern Forest Alliance
Physicians for Social Responsibility, Maine Chapter
RESTORE: The North Woods
Sierra Club, Maine Chapter
Ocean Conservancy
The Wilderness Society
Toxics Action Center

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action. For more than 160 years, Maine Audubon has been connecting people with nature and leading science-based conservation in major projects across the state. An independent affiliate of Audubon’s national organization, Maine Audubon has seven local chapters, 11 nature centers and sanctuaries, and 11,000 members and supporters.

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