Governor Mills announced today that she has introduced bipartisan legislation to create the Maine Climate Council. The Climate Council will develop the action plan and timetable to meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals to promote jobs and economic benefits for Maine people in the transition to a lower carbon economy and to support the climate resiliency of Maine’s communities.
“Evidence continues to mount that the impacts of climate change are harming our state and nation. Even the administration in Washington has joined the chorus of concerned scientists as the EPA last week warned,” said Governor Mills in a press release issued today. “Today we take another step in combating this threat, expanding our clean economy and investing in our future by creating the Maine Climate Council and marshaling experts across the state to take urgent action. I look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill and ensure that the Council can begin its work on building a better, brighter future for our state.” The bill is L.R. 2478.
The EPA published a 150-page document last week issuing climate change preparedness guidance for communities nationwide already struggling with several natural disasters. The report acknowledges that the climate change “is expected to increase he frequency and intensity of some natural disasters.”
“Under the leadership of our new Governor, Maine is clearly ready to take serious action to avert the worst impacts of global warming. Our state has so much at stake, from the vital lobster industry to our beautiful shoreline and forests. We look forward to working with the Governor and our fellow Mainers to get clean energy on the grid, electrifying our cars and buses and so much more. Thank you Governor Mills for your bold commitment to combat climate change,” wrote Environment Maine’s Director, Carissa Maurin.
Governor Mills was joined for the announcement by Republican Senator David Woodsome, the lead sponsor of the bill as well as Bill Mook, owner of the Mook Sea Farms in Walpole and Melissa Law, owner of the Bumbleroot Farm, Windham.