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 […]
Clean Water
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 […]
Action Alert: Speak Out Against Offshore Drilling
As you likely know, the Trump Administration has announced a proposal to open nearly all U.S. coastal waters to oil and gas drilling, including along the coast of Maine. Our coast is essential to Maine’s natural and cultural heritage, critical to our wildlife, our economy, and our daily lives. Drilling offshore puts us all — […]
Maine Audubon Testifies in Support of Clean Water
Yesterday, Maine Audubon staff biologist Sarah Haggerty and I testified in support of two important bond bills. LDs 178 and 1510 would support improvements to Maine’s wastewater infrastructure and protect water quality for Maine wildlife and people. You can learn more about each bill by reading our testimony below. The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee […]
Proposed Buzzards Bay oil spill settlement good news for Maine loons
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced that they, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of Rhode Island, have reached a proposed settlement of $13 million with the Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. This could potentially have big implications for our Maine loon populations. […]
Legislature Fails to Override Governor’s vetoes on LDs 1744 and 1772
Unfortunately, the Legislature has failed to override the Governor’s vetoes of the mining bill, LD 1772, that rejects the bad mining rule, and LD 1744, the lakes bill. �The good news on mining is that the old rule will stay in place until the Legislature approves a new rule. �As for the lakes bill, this […]
Governor Signs the Water Bond, LD 1455!
The Governor has signed the water bond bill, LD 1455. �Now, it goes on the November ballot for voters approval. �Thank you to the many people who helped to make this happen.
Water Bond Passes!
The House and Senate have approved the water bond by a landslide. �Last night, in one if it’s final actions of this legislative session, the Legislature enacted LD 1455 for $10 million by votes of 126-19 and 30-2. �It now goes to the Governor. �Please see the previous post for appreciation of those who helped […]