State and federal laws mandate that Maine test 100% of the toddlers covered by MaineCare for lead poisoning. The actual screening rates fall far short of that target, leaving our most vulnerable children at risk of lifelong harm. Maine needs to step up and follow the law.
Mar 5
2020
2020
Jan 8
2020
2020
Maine Needs to Act Now to Protect Us from Toxic “Forever” Chemicals
The Maine PFAS Task Force recently released a draft of its recommendations for how to protect residents from these dangerous chemicals, but they fall well short of the bold action that is needed. But there are still opportunities for legislators and regulators to make a difference.
Dec 4
2019
2019
Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine Back on Track
Home to some of the world’s strongest offshore winds, the Gulf of Maine can play an essential role in helping meet New England’s climate goals. But the energy of those winds has yet to be harnessed. Over the last decade, progress on this front stalled due in large part to the anti-wind policies of former…
Jun 28
2019
2019
Updated: Maine is Failing to Protect Its Children from Lead Poisoning
Update: On June 27, Governor Mills signed two new lead bills signed into law that may help change this disturbing trend Hundreds of children with lead poisoning go undiagnosed every year in Maine. That’s on top of the hundreds of Maine children who are diagnosed with lead poisoning annually. In addition, more than half of…
Mar 29
2019
2019
Maine to Study Toxic “Forever” Chemicals
In a move welcomed by advocates for safe and clean drinking water, Governor Janet Mills has established a task force to assess the scope of PFAS exposure and contamination in Maine.
May 9
2018
2018
When It Comes to Climate Change, the Kids are Alright
In Maine, 33 elementary- to high-school-age kids have forced the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider regulating climate-damaging emissions. These kids, joined by CLF, hundreds of registered voters, and other environmental organizations, filed a petition that requires the DEP to hold a public hearing – scheduled for May 15, 2018 – on the need for and scope of such regulations.
Mar 3
2018
2018
Maine Recommits to Cutting Carbon Pollution
Maine just took an important step forward in the fight against climate change. In a move that will help Maine reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector, the Maine Legislature recently passed a bill that commits the state to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) for the years 2021 to 2030. Maine was…
Jan 3
2018
2018
The Dangers and Costs of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Maine
Lead poisoning threatens the most vulnerable members of our communities – our children – but it imposes tragically high costs on everyone.
Nov 1
2017
2017
Road Work Ahead? Proposed Expansions of the Maine Turnpike Should Proceed with Caution
Traffic in the greater Portland area is getting worse, so the Maine Turnpike Authority wants to add lanes and build a new highway connector. But is this really the best solution to the problem?
Oct 11
2017
2017
Maine Makes Progress in Efforts to Prevent Lead Poisoning
Maine has taken significant strides in preventing childhood lead poisoning by implementing a more protective standard for what constitutes poisoning. But a stronger standard will only help Maine’s children if local officials can actually implement it. And here’s where the State is falling short. As National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 22–28, 2017) approaches, we…