Please join Maine Audubon and the Environmental Priorities Coalition at the Maine State House in Augusta on April 4 for Conservation Lobby Day 2018! Each year, we gather for this special day in Augusta, discussing pressing issues, learning some effective techniques for talking to our legislators — and then hitting the halls to do some […]
Policy & Advocacy
Public hearing shares lots of opposition to offshore drilling
On Wednesday, March 7, I joined a great gathering at the Augusta Civic Center.�In spite of an incoming Nor’easter, lots of people turned out to a public hearing about the Trump administration’s proposal to open up the drilling in most U.S. continental-shelf waters — including Maine. On the same day, the Bureau of Ocean Management […]
Advocating for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in DC
Earlier this week, I had a great opportunity to collaborate with AMC, National Audubon Society, and other members of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition to ask for congressional support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF is an important 52-year old funding mechanism that provides important support for community, state, and […]
Solar bill passes the House 106-38
Great news!�This morning, the Maine House of Representatives passed LD 1444 (the �solar bill�) by a margin of 106-38.�That’s right: this important bill earned the votes it needs to overcome Governor LePage’s anticipated veto. This is cause for celebration — but our efforts aren’t over. If your Representative supported this bill, please take a moment […]
Action Alert: Time to move Maine’s solar policy forward
Please contact your legislator today and encourage them to support LD 1444, a bill that would move solar policy forward in Maine. Earlier today, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in support of LD 1444. Now it’s on to the House! Please contact your House member today. (Consider also contacting your Senator and, if they were supportive, […]
Andy’s Note: Mr. Beahm Goes to Washington
Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, to take part in the annual gathering of the “Independent Audubons.” Around the country, many Audubon organizations — particularly in the northeast — predated the creation of the National Audubon Society. Many of those have remained independent, and meet each year�to benchmark, build community, […]
Action Alert: Support Native Fish
Please contact your legislators today and ask that they support native fish, habitat connectivity, and sound science by supporting LD 922. LD 922 would the allow the passage of anadromous (sea-run) fish such as Alewives, Blueback Herring, and Sea Lamprey into Sheepscot Pond in Palermo, an historic stronghold for these critical species. What You Can […]
Testifying against an Annual Fee on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
On Tuesday, February 13, Maine Audubon testified in opposition to LD 1806, An Act to Ensure Equity in the Funding of Maine’s Transportation Infrastructure by Imposing an Annual Fee on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. Over 15 individuals and organizations testified in opposition to the bill — from a town selectperson, to an employee of an […]
Northeast Making Progress on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Looking for some good news this morning? Check out the graph of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) emissions below. In 2017, emissions continued a gratifying downward trend — dropping 18 percent from the previous year, and 23 percent below the 2017 cap. RGGI is a partnership between Maine and eight other northeastern states where together […]