Know the Score >> A New Page for Maine's Environment
As the first bells of the 2011 legislative session rang, Maine Conservation Voters was facing a host of unknowns. What would Governor LePage’s approach be to Maine’s environment? Would Maine’s House and Senate stand solidly behind our water, land and wildlife, or would we see weakening of core protections? And most importantly, would lawmakers recognize and embrace Maine’s environment as central to our economic prosperity, or would they revive the old false choice of pitting one against each other?
To learn the Governor’s position, we didn’t have long to wait. Governor LePage jumped into the session with his proposal for LD 1, a “regulatory reform” bill. Many provisions would have retreated from long-standing bipartisan policies, and put our health, our environment and our economy at unnecessary risk.
The response from Maine people was immediate and forceful. Within days, the halls of the State House were filled with loggers, fishermen, Maine Guides and others whose livelihood depends on Maine’s natural resources. They came from all over the state and included mothers, scientists, small business owners, community leaders and municipal officials. They spoke out in defense of Maine’s water, land and wildlife as central to our economy and our quality of life.
In the end, legislators were able to sort through the good and the harmful elements of LD 1 and pass a bill that improved how Maine’s regulatory system works. Republican and Democratic leaders worked hard to bring people together and find common sense solutions. Their efforts clearly showed they understood that good jobs and a clean environment go hand-in-hand.
While it wasn’t all good news in the Legislature, harm was minimized. And some of our earlier questions were answered. While Governor LePage’s approach to environmental policy is generally out-of-step with Maine values, the good news is that the Legislature listens to Maine people and will stand up strongly for common sense laws that protect our clean waters, natural areas and wildlife.
Now that the session is over, we are watching closely to make sure there is no undermining of our environmental policies from within the departments of oversight. At the same time, we must plan for next year, when we will face additional threats to Maine’s North Woods, clean energy, smart planning and development and the state’s ability to enforce important environmental laws. We are confident that the power of Maine people and the leadership of Maine legislators will protect and defend the good health, good jobs and quality of life that Maine’s environment provides to all of us.
