Each legislative session, Maine Audubon closely follows bills related to our mission of protecting Maine wildlife and habitat. Below is a list of Maine Audubon’s 2022 Legislative Priorities, including both state and federal bills, with updates, important dates, and other information.
As always, we need the help of our members and supports to pass legislation. Reaching out to your state or federal representatives to let them know that their constituents support these bills is essential to gaining support and votes. Emails, phone calls, letters to the editor, oral testimony, and member meetings are all ways to get involved and make your voice heard. Stay up to date with the latest news by subscribing to our Action Alert system here, and learn some tips for effective citizen advocacy here. We’re so glad to have you involved.
Legislative Priorities for 2023
| Bill Description | State or Federal | Maine Audubon Position | Latest Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhancing Maine’s Ecological Reserve System – LD 736 | State | Support | Signed into law on March 31! – Read our press release here |
| Encouraging Climate Education in Maine Public Schools – LD 1902 | State | Support | Bill was enacted in the House on March 22 – Read our summary here. |
| Expanding Maine’s Clean Energy Economy – LD 1350 | State | Support | |
| Maintaining Opportunities for Salmon Connectivity – LR 2167 | State | Oppose | Bill introduced 2/10/22 – LD 1979. Public hearing 2/28/22 |
| Reducing the Threat From Aquatic Invasive Species – LD 1826 | State | Support | Public hearing before Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Jan 10 |
| Understanding Pesticide Use – LD 586 | State | Support | |
| Supporting Tribal Sovereignty – LD 1626 | State | Support | The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Feb. 15 – watch here. Read a statement from the Wabanaki Nations here. |
| Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – S.2372 | Federal | Support | Passed out of House Natural Resources Committee 1/19 with bipartisan vote. Next stop: House floor. |
| National Biodiversity Strategy – H.Res. 69 | Federal | Support | |
| Federal Bird Safe Buildings Act – S. 791 / H. 1986 | Federal | Support |