Maine Audubon is concerned by the breadth and speed of attempts to weaken the federal laws and agencies that have helped protect Maine wildlife and habitat for decades.
Maine Audubon’s science-based approach to environmental policy has helped us weather all manner of political situations, though what we’re witnessing now has little precedent. Still, we will get through this situation as well, with your support. Keeping our members and supporters informed and asking for their help in taking appropriate actions is crucial, so we want to update you on policy changes and legislation we’re following at the federal levels related to wildlife and wildlife habitats, as well as news, information, events, and opportunities to make your voice heard. Sign up for our Action Alerts for the most up-to-date information!
Federal News and Updates
Maine Audubon has strong concerns about certain recent federal actions that are likely to harm Maine wildlife and habitat. We are in communication with our federal delegation on each of these issues, and looking into all opportunities to respond. Below are just a few of the issues that we shared with our federal delegation last week:
National Environmental Policy Act Regulations. On Tuesday February 25, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued an interim final rule that will soon remove all existing CEQ regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This unprecedented action has been called “the most significant rulemaking in the statute’s 55-year history.” Maine Audubon strongly opposes the undercutting of this bedrock environmental statue. Please sign our petition here in support of NEPA by March 27.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Legal Opinion Rescission. On March 12, the Department of the Interior officially rescinded a legal interpretation holding that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act applies to the “incidental take” of birds. The recission eliminated the potential for enforcement for individuals and businesses that inadvertently injure or kill birds when engaged in otherwise legal activities, including oil and gas wastewater pits, electric transmission and generation facilities, and more. Sign up for our webinar with the National Audubon Society on April 7 to learn more and take action.
Endangered Species Act Bills in the House of Representatives. A suite of bills related to the Endangered Species Act have been introduced into the House, most of which appear to undermine the existing law and decades of success. Under the law, 99% of listed species have avoided extinction, including Bald Eagles, Piping Plovers, and other species found in Maine. We will continue to evaluate all that emerge, but must express our opposition to HR 1897, which would strongly weaken the ESA. Stay tuned for ways to add your voice.
Timber Production Executive Order. The Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production Executive Order issued on March 1 seeks to bypass environmental regulations for timber harvest on federal lands. It remains to be determined what the ultimate impacts of this EO are in Maine, but it may impact the activities at the White Mountain National Forest and the Massabesic Experimental Forest in Alfred. Forestry management actions around the nation are determined with scientific and public input, vital to keep the balance between forestry and wildlife protection, and are normally subject to federal environmental regulations including the Endangered Species Act and NEPA. Allowing forestry activities without the appropriate environmental regulatory oversight would set a dangerous precedent for future activities.
NEW! Federal Focus Webinar Series
Beginning on March 24, Maine Audubon will host a series of webinars related to federal issues. These free webinars will run at noon on Mondays through April 14. Sign up here for the series (it’s the same link to join all).
The National Environmental Policy Act: History, Importance, and Urgent Actions
Monday, March 24, 12 pm
Hear from Maine Law Environmental Law Professor Anthony Moffa about the history of NEPA and the potential impact of these latest proposals.
Protecting Bats in Maine: Added Challenges from Cuts to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Monday, March 31, 12 pm
This webinar highlights the recent experience of Tessa Corsetti, who was laid off from her job as the Region 5 Bat Coordinator for USFWS in February. Tessa will speak about her work to protect endangered bats in Maine and how her absence may impact conservation.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act: History, Importance, and Urgent Actions
Monday, April 7, 12 pm
Hear from the National Audubon Society’s Erik Schneider about the 2025 State of the Birds Report and efforts to safeguard the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Do We Have The Tools To Abandon Fossil Fuels?
Monday, April 14, 12 pm
Phil Coupe, co-founder of ReVision Energy, a solar company operating in New England, has been witnessing astonishing progress toward a cheaper, cleaner energy future, and will show how rapidly advancing clean tech is preparing us for that inevitable day when we can no longer afford to rely on fossil fuels.
